2020-21 Schedule (top post is current)

[RhowdyRam02]

If it is true that Temple and Va tech replaces UFC and Marquette how would you seed the teams 1 to 4 and are the new teams an improvement .

I'd rather have an ACC team than a Big East team and I'd rather Temple over Central Florida. To me this is a big upgrade

[URIRecruitingInfo]

[RhowdyRam02]

Adam coming in with the hot breaking news that URI announced September 28th. What was his source, our press release from that day?

[4Diffs]

You are aware that a lot of games that were scheduled are not happening correct? This is good news and a confirmation that the game is still happening which I had my doubts based on how the Big East is deciding the games they will play based on how they will benefit with no care to anybody else but themselves. Kudos to Seton Hall for not reneging.

[NYGFan_Section208]

You are aware that a lot of games that were scheduled are not happening correct? This is good news and a confirmation that the game is still happening which I had my doubts based on how the Big East is deciding the games they will play based on how they will benefit with no care to anybody else but themselves. Kudos to Seton Hall for not reneging.

I would absolutely expect no less from Rhody...this is not a charity.

[ramster]

Not a surprise.

While it may not be a “surprise” to some it is horseshit. If the actual worry is COVID, then you would find time to play the team 20 miles away in the same freakin state. So clearly they aren’t worried about travel with COVID (which I think we all know already).

I think the problem is that people need to realize this is not a normal year.

The idea that a team can just "pop up/down" the road does not exist.

Teams will want more off-time between games in case there is a COVID-related issue to do adequate contact tracing/testing so games don't have to be postponed and/or played with multiple players in quarantine.

College Football can semi get away with that because there are 100+ kids on a roster and they have 7 days between every game. In basketball you have max 13 kids and 7-8 key rotation pieces, not to forget that the stars will always be the stars.

All teams are going to have tournament commitments they want to play, and then whatever box they decide with conference play. The conference is also going to prioritize trying to make potential challenges work(Big 12/Big Ten), as those are conference events.

It leaves a very small window to try to accomplish other OOC games, especially if both teams already have other commitments. Right off the bat the HOF is Nov 28-29 and Maui is Nov 30 - Dec 2nd. Between travel and such, already cutting into potential dates.

There aren't going to be situations this year where teams play 3 games in 5-6 days.

This reasoning No longer holds water.

URI vs PC was scheduled Friday Night Dec 4 on ESPN.
Now PC scheduled perennially weak opponent FDU on Saturday Dec 5. Likely Saturday afternoon.

Plus the Gavitt games are very likely gone.

A loss for RI Basketball fans during a dismal year when the URI-PC fans would have had something to look forward to. It hurts fans of both schools and basketball fans neutral to both schools.

Louisville-Kentucky and Cincinnati-Xavier found ways to make their rivalry games work.

Huge local interest drop off going from PC-URI that weekend to PC-FDU

[ramster]

Mohegan Sun Latest Update includes 6 Events - all 4 teams per Event:

EMPIRE CLASSIC Nov. 25-26: Baylor, Arizona State, Villanova, Boston College

EVENT NAME TBA Nov. 25-27: Virginia, Florida, Maine, TBA

EVENT NAME TBA Nov. 25-27: Stephen F. Austin, Towson, St. Bonaventure, TBA

AIR FORCE RESERVE HOF TIP-OFF TOURNAMENT Nov. 28-29: Minnesota, Rhode Island, Temple, Virginia Tech

LEGENDS CLASSIC Dec. 2-3: UConn, USC, Vanderbilt, BYU

EVENT NAME TBA Dec. 3-4: Albany, Drexel, LIU, Quinnipiac

UMASS has announced playing in a MTE at Mohegan Sun but not announced yet which one

Iona announced they will play 4 games at Mohegan. Likely UMASS could be one of those games. Pitino would like playing his Old school.

Maybe URI plays Iona?

BYU now added to the Legends Classic at Mohegan

[steveystuds06]

Just got this email below...



Steve

Thank you for your continued patience as we prepare for the upcoming basketball season. As you saw last week Providence College and URI announced that due to pandemic-related scheduling conflicts for the first time in 86 seasons the URI/PC game which was slated to be played in Providence this year, will not take place. In addition to that announcement URI also released its updated/modified non-conference schedule, which is slated to begin on November 28th at Mohegan Sun. While we are still looking to add additional games to the non-conference schedule it is becoming clearer that COVID-19 will have a major impact on our basketball schedule this season.


We are working with the state, the university, the NCAA, and the conference to host games in the Ryan Center. Right now with just under two months left until the first games, it is evident that this year will not be like a normal season despite our best efforts and hopes. In our discussions with the University of Rhode Island COVID Task Force, we have been encouraged to plan for at least a non-conference season without fans, and if we are fortunate enough to host fans during the conference season, to establish socially distanced seating and arena planning. So per their guidance, we are planning for several possible scenarios.


In the next week or so we will be reaching out via email with updated information on the possible ticketing process for the season/home games and some very important next steps. We ask that you read the information that will be provided and fill out any requested information. Please be on the lookout for that email coming from URI Athletics with the subject line Action Required: Updated Information on 2020-21 Rhode Island Season Tickets.


Once again we thank you for your patience and support during these past six-plus months. We truly appreciate your support and understanding as we work our way through this process and remember while no action is required at this time keep an eye out for the next email which will be time-sensitive.


Should you have any questions or concerns please call 401-874-RAMS(7267), email tickets@theryancenter.com, or text “Rhody” to 401-874-7267.

Go Rhody!

Sincerely,

[Rhody83]

The important part:
In our discussions with the University of Rhode Island COVID Task Force, we have been encouraged to plan for at least a non-conference season without fans, and if we are fortunate enough to host fans during the conference season, to establish socially distanced seating and arena planning.

There is no way URI MBB is going to take the chance of negatively impacting their games and the probability of finishing the season by having fans in attendance for conference games. The risk isn't worth it.

[section(105)]

.......yep, get ready for Steve and Don on the transistor......maybe Some TV games......maybe URI tech community will come up with quality in-house streaming of home games.....

[phipsiGD'11]

So do you believe having fans in the 200 sections puts the players at risk?

[ramster]

URI will face Luke Frampton this year

[Rhody83]

.......yep, get ready for Steve and Don on the transistor......maybe Some TV games......maybe URI tech community will come up with quality in-house streaming of home games.....

Almost every URI games was on TV last year or live streamed. You might have to pay $4.99 for 3 months to get ESPN+.

[Rhody83]

So do you believe having fans in the 200 sections puts the players at risk?

If you teleport the fans in the 200s and teleport them out, everything should be fine.
Seriously, this is about risk vs benefit. David Cox, Thorr, Pres Dooley aren’t going to risk the season (no matter how small) to accommodate a small group of fans.

You need employees & staff to manage an arena and game. They are going to minimize the risk of Covid for those people by ensuring no fan contact.

Look at what the NBA and MLB did regarding fans.

[NYGFan_Section208]

URI will face Luke Frampton this year

framp.JPG (14.3 KiB) Viewed 2634 times

[reef]

URI will face Luke Frampton this year

framp.JPG

That’s Peter Frampton the famous rock musician sang Do you feel like we do

[Rhodymob05]

So do you believe having fans in the 200 sections puts the players at risk?

If you teleport the fans in the 200s and teleport them out, everything should be fine.
Seriously, this is about risk vs benefit. David Cox, Thorr, Pres Dooley aren’t going to risk the season (no matter how small) to accommodate a small group of fans.

You need employees & staff to manage an arena and game. They are going to minimize the risk of Covid for those people by ensuring no fan contact.

Look at what the NBA and MLB did regarding fans.

Other indoor gatherings (such a places of worship) do have staff or volunteers escort out certain sections at a time per the state regulations and it has been very effective. I can't see why the same can't be done with a decreased capacity at the Ryan Center.

[Rhody83]

College basketball doesn’t need fans to play. To my knowledge no indoor sport has had fans. NBA and NHL haven’t.

I think if URI allows anyone in it will be families. A very small limited number of people.

[Rhody83]

From Koch tweet to show you the colleges aren’t having fans.

Providence is assuming its home games will be played at Alumni Hall.
They are not anticipating having fans or media members in attendance.
Radio broadcast team is not expected to travel.

[RF1]

Maybe this is the season to drop the demand to Bryant that any potential game must be played in Kingston. Offer them a one time home and home deal with the series starting with a game in Smithfield this year.

[section(105)]

........hopefully Steve and Don will go to our away games......didn’t Don already have a bout with Covid......

[Billyboy78]

........hopefully Steve and Don will go to our away games......didn’t Don already have a bout with Covid......

Yes, he and his wife both had it back in March. I know someone who has it for the 2nd time, so there's that.

[theblueram]

Maybe this is the season to drop the demand to Bryant that any potential game must be played in Kingston. Offer them a one time home and home deal with the series starting with a game in Smithfield this year.

We don't need another Fordham on our schedule. Especially playing away in a high school gymnasium.

[RF1]

Maybe this is the season to drop the demand to Bryant that any potential game must be played in Kingston. Offer them a one time home and home deal with the series starting with a game in Smithfield this year.

We don't need another Fordham on our schedule. Especially playing away in a high school gymnasium.

It looks like we are having trouble putting together an OOC schedule so the quality of an opponent may not really matter. It would be an easy trip in state and who cares about the gym size if it will be empty? A lot of schools are going to be playing in small on campus gyms this season.

[ramster]

So do you believe having fans in the 200 sections puts the players at risk?

If you teleport the fans in the 200s and teleport them out, everything should be fine.
Seriously, this is about risk vs benefit. David Cox, Thorr, Pres Dooley aren’t going to risk the season (no matter how small) to accommodate a small group of fans.

You need employees & staff to manage an arena and game. They are going to minimize the risk of Covid for those people by ensuring no fan contact.

Look at what the NBA and MLB did regarding fans.

Other indoor gatherings (such a places of worship) do have staff or volunteers escort out certain sections at a time per the state regulations and it has been very effective. I can't see why the same can't be done with a decreased capacity at the Ryan Center.

MLB has not had fans. Braves Dodgers has 11,000 fans last night for the first time this year. Also fans at tonight’s game.

Fan exit strategies are in place for NFL. I received detailed instructions on how the process would work. Designed to limit contact and maximizing spacing between individuals.

A long time still for MBB To start. I’d bet Many College Teams have Limited fans at games similar to percentages Football Teams have had (20% or more). Fans spaced in the Ryan Center just like spacing seen at College Football, NFL and at MLB.

Will be an interesting next 6 months for sure.

[RhodyRams12]

[Rhody74]

What can the Conference do?

[ramster]

What can the Conference do?

Go to 20 games like many have done. That’s the trend.
- Set up conference challenges - A10 vs AAC would make a lot of sense
- Aggressively work to set up more MTE’s

Ask Cox what he means by what can the conference do. See if he wants a 20 game schedule
See if he wants a Challenge with the AAC
Any and all ideas

[RhodyRams12]

What can the Conference do?

Go to 20 games like many have done. That’s the trend.
- Set up conference challenges - A10 vs AAC would make a lot of sense
- Aggressively work to set up more MTE’s

Ask Cox what he means by what can the conference do. See if he wants a 20 game schedule
See if he wants a Challenge with the AAC
Any and all ideas

A 20 game conference schedule would be more detrimental than beneficial. Cox is specifically referring to the A10 helping with scheduling non conference opponents - which you eluded to in your first point. More conference challenges. It's all about building a NCAAT resume. More A10 league games will not help.

[ramster]

What can the Conference do?

Go to 20 games like many have done. That’s the trend.
- Set up conference challenges - A10 vs AAC would make a lot of sense
- Aggressively work to set up more MTE’s

Ask Cox what he means by what can the conference do. See if he wants a 20 game schedule
See if he wants a Challenge with the AAC
Any and all ideas

A 20 game conference schedule would be more detrimental than beneficial. Cox is specifically referring to the A10 helping with scheduling non conference opponents - which you eluded to in your first point. More conference challenges. It's all about building a NCAAT resume. More A10 league games will not help.

I was referring to 74’s question as to what the A10 can do. 20 games is something the A10 Conference can do. I’m not saying I agree or disagree. But with so many conferences going to 20 games there are not as many good OOC games available. Key is to get the opinions of A10 HC’s like David Cox.

In a typical season there are 13 OOC games available with a MTE. More and more P5 Teams will play themselves. Fewer good opportunities are available with 20 games for P5’s.

[reef]

I like the idea of 20 conf games should help him with the OOC

[JimSidd]

With the P5 conferences moving to a 20 game conference schedule, the A10 may not have a choice but to do the same. As long as they continue to match up the better teams in the home and home, it may not hurt too much. I do realize that each team would now be home and home with more than half the league, which could also increase the chances of playing a weak team twice. It would still be better than playing two games against a weak team from a lower level conference. It would save a bit of money on buy games, too.
I prefer the challenge games against a conference like the Mountain West or the WAC, as well as MTEs, but these may not be available every year.

[reef]

I like it 20 conf games and 11 OOC rather than 18 and 13

[ramster]

PAC 12 now going with 20 games. And 22 games for women’s team.

Could 22 game schedules be next for MBB? P5 pushing out low and mid majors more and more?

[ramster]

Big South And Big Sky to 20 games

[RhodyFanNotAlum]

I'd still love to see the A-10 explore the sort of late-season flex scheduling/pod system that the WCC, Sun Belt and C-USA have announced. The problem is that those systems don't work as neatly with a 14-team conference. The only way to evenly divide the teams would be into two seven-team pods.

So how would I structure it? Schedule 18 predetermined games at the start of the season. Based on the conference standings after Game 16, divide the teams into five pods for conference Games 19 and 20. Four of the pods would have three teams, with each playing the other two once, one at home and one on the road, and the bottom two teams would just play a home-and-home:

Teams 1-3
Teams 4-6
Teams 7-9
Teams 10-12
Teams 13-14 play a home-and-home

I realize this could create the possibility of teams playing each other three times in the regular season (or even four in the case of the worst two teams), but I think it's the best way to assure the best actual — not merely projected – teams play each other and find quality opponents for the most deserving teams without having to rely on the P5 conferences for help.

Anyway, it's all moot since I don't expect the A-10 to ever think this creatively.

[Rhody83]

Late in the season it might not help at large chances to have your top 3 teams knocking each off. Then they go play in the A10 Tournament. Could create too many loses.

[Jersey77]

As I previously stated under a different topic, I feel the A10 needs to reconsider and have a 20 game schedule this year, other conferences have made exceptions and done so. Also would love to see us play UCONN regularly because of the close proximity and the past rivalry, it would be a very competitive and heated match up.

[steviep123]

As I previously stated under a different topic, I feel the A10 needs to reconsider and have a 20 game schedule this year, other conferences have made exceptions and done so. Also would love to see us play UCONN regularly because of the close proximity and the past rivalry, it would be a very competitive and heated match up.

Sadly I don't think UConn is interested. Maybe Hurley a few years from now, not sure, but not currently. For what it's worth (not much), a good friend of mine is a UConn grad and he'd love to see the series rekindled. Thinks it would be good.

[phipsiGD'11]

If we can become a top 2/3 A10 team year in and year out then we can play UConn in home and home series, until we reach that level, we are the red headed stepchild of the northeast behind Uconn and PC. Won't get their respect because A10 is not BE.

[Jersey77]

As I previously stated under a different topic, I feel the A10 needs to reconsider and have a 20 game schedule this year, other conferences have made exceptions and done so. Also would love to see us play UCONN regularly because of the close proximity and the past rivalry, it would be a very competitive and heated match up.

Sadly I don't think UConn is interested. Maybe Hurley a few years from now, not sure, but not currently. For what it's worth (not much), a good friend of mine is a UConn grad and he'd love to see the series rekindled. Thinks it would be good.

If we can become a top 2/3 A10 team year in and year out then we can play UConn in home and home series, until we reach that level, we are the red headed stepchild of the northeast behind Uconn and PC. Won't get their respect because A10 is not BE.

Unfortunately I agree, it probably won't happen at least for awhile. But as fans we miss out that this old rivalry hasn't been renewed. Two neighboring state universities that have a basketball history together should try to get this match up scheduled. Although we haven't had the same success as UCONN, we still have a descent program in a competitive conference.

[Billyboy78]

I don't think Dan wants to play us, but for much a much different reason than Cooley.

[reef]

Don’t see this happening at all with DH at Uconn and Cox here

[section(105)]

.......the awaited season ticket info came this AM.......obviously no decision yet on wether or not fans for the conference home sked will even be allowed......but the current season ticket holders need to decide on the options offered by URI by 10/30......for us, I will be opting to attend any home conference games......keeping our seats for 2021-2022......

[URIRecruitingInfo]

[Rhodymob05]

Stand alone games, meaning they would normally be at those schools or at the RC?

[Rhody74]

Hope they’re all televised.

[Dino611]

Stand alone games, meaning they would normally be at those schools or at the RC?

My guess it would be at the Ryan Center

[RIFan]

I would like another day of rest in there.

[Section104]

Hope they’re all televised.

This will be interesting to monitor...

I would think, since they're all at the same arena, it will be easy to get some sort of streaming option available. If there are 4-5 venues running games, with few having multiple courts, it should limit the number of options for TV Network so you'd think we'd be on some sort of "national" network.