Game # 24: Rams at Duquesne, Sat 2/27 7pm ESPN+

[RF1]

Two losses in a row to Duquense (in the same season no less). Consecutive losses to the Dukes had not happened to URI since 1995. Rhody had won 21 of the last 28 games played between the teams prior to this train-wreck of a season.

[DeanDome88]

Harris- 0 points, 0 assists, 3 rebounds. In 18 min. That’s awful.

Harris actually did a good job of keeping the ball moving on offense. He hit Betrand wide open in the corner with a nice pass and the attempted close-out led to his dunk. Jermaine understands that side of the floor.

He does not anticipate well on the defensive end of the floor. His career so far has been lackluster but he has not regressed. He does not jump well. He never was going to be Kenny Green. He should improve with coaching.

[ramster]

Harris- 0 points, 0 assists, 3 rebounds. In 18 min. That’s awful.

Harris actually did a good job of keeping the ball moving on offense. He hit Betrand wide open in the corner with a nice pass and the attempted close-out led to his dunk. Jermaine understands that side of the floor.

He does not anticipate well on the defensive end of the floor. His career so far has been lackluster but he has not regressed. He does not jump well. He never was going to be Kenny Green. He should improve with coaching.

I thought his pass to Betrand was nicely done and I thought he would get an assist on it but immediately checked the live box score and none credited. I suppose a judgement call be the official scorer? What did you think?

Harris passed the ball whereas most of the rest of the team seemed more confused, disoriented, Chinese fire drill type approach. As has been often stated this year there is no leader. Jeff Dowtin type has not stepped up.

[Rhody15]

Harris- 0 points, 0 assists, 3 rebounds. In 18 min. That’s awful.

Harris actually did a good job of keeping the ball moving on offense. He hit Betrand wide open in the corner with a nice pass and the attempted close-out led to his dunk. Jermaine understands that side of the floor.

He does not anticipate well on the defensive end of the floor. His career so far has been lackluster but he has not regressed. He does not jump well. He never was going to be Kenny Green. He should improve with coaching.

He has one billion percent regressed. How the hell are people still in this kids corner???

We’re giving him credit now for passing to someone who is wide open??? Think about that. Giving a Top 80 recruited junior credit for making a pass to someone who is wide open.

Career worst in minutes per game, points per game, FG %, FT %, averaging 2.9 rebounds per game as a 6’9 junior who has 60+ games started in his career.

PLEASE tell me how that’s not regression. Still can’t run, jump, show any offensive skill, and is shooting 43% from the line.

People are still defending Harris who does NOTHING on a nightly basis yet still somehow shit on Fatts when he’s the only one who showed up last night / 90% of games this season.

Truly incredible.

[ramster]

Does anyone have a video of the Betrand Dunk?

[DeanDome88]

Harris- 0 points, 0 assists, 3 rebounds. In 18 min. That’s awful.

Harris actually did a good job of keeping the ball moving on offense. He hit Betrand wide open in the corner with a nice pass and the attempted close-out led to his dunk. Jermaine understands that side of the floor.

He does not anticipate well on the defensive end of the floor. His career so far has been lackluster but he has not regressed. He does not jump well. He never was going to be Kenny Green. He should improve with coaching.

He has one billion percent regressed. How the hell are people still in this kids corner???

We’re giving him credit now for passing to someone who is wide open??? Think about that. Giving a Top 80 recruited junior credit for making a pass to someone who is wide open.

Career worst in minutes per game, points per game, FG %, FT %, averaging 2.9 rebounds per game as a 6’9 junior who has 60+ games started in his career.

PLEASE tell me how that’s not regression. Still can’t run, jump, show any offensive skill, and is shooting 43% from the line.

People are still defending Harris who does NOTHING on a nightly basis yet still somehow shit on Fatts when he’s the only one who showed up last night / 90% of game this season.

Truly incredible.

Do yourself a favor, leave your apartment and go for a walk. You might feel better. I'm not here to have meaningless arguments with other posters.

[Billyboy78]

Does anyone have a video of the Betrand Dunk?

Channel 10 news had it last night, so you might find it on their site.

[ramster]

Does anyone have a video of the Betrand Dunk?

Channel 10 news had it last night, so you might find it on their site.

Thanks

[Billyboy78]

If the defense is sluggish, mix it up. Go full court pressure to get their asses in gear. If someone is still dogging it, sit their ass on the bench. Something isn't working? Do something else. That's called coaching.

[Rhody15]

Harris actually did a good job of keeping the ball moving on offense. He hit Betrand wide open in the corner with a nice pass and the attempted close-out led to his dunk. Jermaine understands that side of the floor.

He does not anticipate well on the defensive end of the floor. His career so far has been lackluster but he has not regressed. He does not jump well. He never was going to be Kenny Green. He should improve with coaching.

He has one billion percent regressed. How the hell are people still in this kids corner???

We’re giving him credit now for passing to someone who is wide open??? Think about that. Giving a Top 80 recruited junior credit for making a pass to someone who is wide open.

Career worst in minutes per game, points per game, FG %, FT %, averaging 2.9 rebounds per game as a 6’9 junior who has 60+ games started in his career.

PLEASE tell me how that’s not regression. Still can’t run, jump, show any offensive skill, and is shooting 43% from the line.

People are still defending Harris who does NOTHING on a nightly basis yet still somehow shit on Fatts when he’s the only one who showed up last night / 90% of game this season.

Truly incredible.

Do yourself a favor, leave your apartment and go for a walk. You might feel better. I'm not here to have meaningless arguments with other posters.

Tell me where I’m wrong with anything I just said.

[NYGFan_Section208]

If the defense is sluggish, mix it up. Go full court pressure to get their asses in gear. If someone is still dogging it, sit their ass on the bench. Something isn't working? Do something else. That's called coaching.

Yeah, looks like they're taking a hard pass on that approach...at least for now.

[JimSidd]

Two losses in a row to Duquense (in the same season no less). Consecutive losses to the Dukes had not happened to URI since 1995. Rhody had won 21 of the last 28 games played between the teams prior to this train-wreck of a season.

The same Duquesne team that got waxed by LaSalle by 20 points three days earlier. LaSalle! Let that sink in for a minute or two.

[Falcon]

They used Fatts like a punching bag . He was hurting , scored 27 and in my opinion LAST night was the only D 1 level player in Rhody Blue !! LAY OFF of Fatts . You Morons . GO FATTS ! 1 rebound short of a triple double against GW a feat only accomplished by ONE URI men's basketball player , Delroy Jane's, in over 100 years ! So stick that in your pipe and smoke it .

[Rhody15]

Two losses in a row to Duquense (in the same season no less). Consecutive losses to the Dukes had not happened to URI since 1995. Rhody had won 21 of the last 28 games played between the teams prior to this train-wreck of a season.

The same Duquesne team that got waxed by LaSalle by 20 points three days earlier. LaSalle! Let that sink in for a minute or two.

I’d love to say it can’t get worse, but how is it going to get better without Fatts and Sheppard?

[ramster]

Two losses in a row to Duquense (in the same season no less). Consecutive losses to the Dukes had not happened to URI since 1995. Rhody had won 21 of the last 28 games played between the teams prior to this train-wreck of a season.

The same Duquesne team that got waxed by LaSalle by 20 points three days earlier. LaSalle! Let that sink in for a minute or two.

And George Mason beat LaSalle 89-54 yesterday - 35 points.

George Mason beats LaSalle by 35
LaSalle beats Duquesne by 20
Duquesne beats URI by 11

So does George Mason beat URI by 66

1-St. Bonaventure (11-3) (13-3)
2-VCU (10-4) (17-6)
3-UMASS (6-3) (7-5)
4-Davidson (7-4) (12-7)
5-Richmond (6-4) (13-6)
6-George Mason (8-6) (12-8)
7-Saint Louis (5-4) (12-5)
8-Dayton (8-7) (12-8)
9-Duquesne (7-7) (8-8)
10-Rhode Island (7-10) (10-14)
11-George Washington (3-5) (4-11)
12-La Salle (6-11) (9-15)
13-Saint Joseph's (2-9) (3-14)
14-Fordham (2-11) (2-11)

[ramster]

I wish I had something better to do on a Friday night.

Idk what that says about me.

Especially since today is Saturday

Finally smiled since 7 pm! CHEERS!

GO RHODY!

Brady1,

You need to post more

[steveystuds06]

Two losses in a row to Duquense (in the same season, no less). Consecutive losses to the Dukes had not happened to URI since 1995. Rhody had won 21 of the last 28 games played between the teams prior to this train-wreck of a season.

The same Duquesne team that got waxed by LaSalle by 20 points three days earlier. LaSalle! Let that sink in for a minute or two.

I’d love to say it can’t get worse, but how is it going to get better without Fatts and Sheppard?

If I'm Thorr, I'm personally reaching out to the twins and Ish and asking how they feel right now. Obviously, he can't ask them if I get rid of Cox will you stay, but he can better understand how our guys feel about their future. I don't buy that our key guys will leave if Cox goes. Not after the way the team and players look right now. They all look miserable and unmotivated.

I'm assuming Cox will bring in some sort of veteran guard next season. What worries me is we may never have the upside we have in the Mithchell twins. If we can't surround them with better players, that's a huge, huge failure. Props to Cox for landing them, but he needs to get them help.

At this point, I don't know who will be back next season.

I pray Shep comes back, but why would he?

Fatts looks like he can't wait to leave. He looked so pissed and disappointed in our team and coach last night. He deserves better.

Makhel has shown he is a P5 big. Teams were worried about taking them on as a package deal. They certainly won't be anymore. I know Cox has a great relationship with them, but they want to win. They certainly don't want to continue to watch our guards constantly lose their man and then get into foul trouble all the time. Makhel looked furious on the bench last night. We lose them. Cox should be fired immediately.

Is Walker happy about his playing time? It seems as if he has to dominate to get the playing time he deserves. Even when he does play well, Cox has sat him. Why play for a coach that continues to play guys that you're consistently outplaying? If we lose Walker, Cox should be fired immediately.

Ish will probably stay because he seems like one of those loyal old-school players but he's not ready to be a consistent All-A10 player. I don't see him doing that until his junior year. He's going to have plenty of ups and downs. If we lose Ish, Cox should be fired immediately.

Malik and Betrand will still be solid pieces but nothing more than role players. I'm assuming they stay, but they won't be difference makers.

Carey looked better last night. He reminded me that if he can somehow learn how to dribble and not be a walking turnover, he has the athletic ability to blow by guards and has a great touch around the hoop. He's another player that is nothing more than a role player, though.

Devale can shoot, but he's weak in many other areas. Has plenty of upside with the right coaching. The question is, does he feels he's getting the right coaching?

The rest of the guys I will need to see to make an honest opinion.

The bottom line is next year looks bleak if Cox is the head coach. We have some talented players on this roster, and under the right leadership, we could make some noise in the A10. We couldn't land a bid with players like Fatts, Tyrese, Jeff, and Cyril. We are near the bottom of the A10 with players like Fatts, Shep, and Makhel. I can't imagine what next year will be like under this staff...

[McRam]

Haven’t seen it, so if previously posted, I apologize ,but ,what is wrong and status of Shepherd?

[steveystuds06]

Haven’t seen it, so if previously posted, I apologize ,but ,what is wrong and status of Shepherd?

I haven't seen much of an update but sounds like a sprained ankle

[reef]

I think the announcer said he was on crutches in the locker room area at halftime so who knows the severity and if he plays on Thursday

[ace]

The same Duquesne team that got waxed by LaSalle by 20 points three days earlier. LaSalle! Let that sink in for a minute or two.

I’d love to say it can’t get worse, but how is it going to get better without Fatts and Sheppard?

If I'm Thorr, I'm personally reaching out to the twins and Ish and asking how they feel right now. Obviously, he can't ask them if I get rid of Cox will you stay, but he can better understand how our guys feel about their future. I don't buy that our key guys will leave if Cox goes. Not after the way the team and players look right now. They all look miserable and unmotivated.

FWIW, Makhi, Makhel, and Ish (and maybe more importantly, their families) are all in on Cox.

[rambone 78]

Then they are happy to be part of a losing program, if true.

Again, Thorr is NOT going to hold a program hostage just because a few players like the coach, and might leave if he's fired.

WINNING is more important, at least that what Thorr has told us about his expectations for the program.

And at URI and most programs, WINNING brings in money. Priorities.

If we have a another season like this one next year, how much more money will the school lose?

[steveystuds06]

I was all in on my last girlfriend until I realized she was a psycho. Things can change.

[rambone 78]

So was I with my 3 wives.

If they think Cox is a good coach, then there are no words.

[theblueram]

Didn't we already try that rodeo?

[PlayMikeMotenMore]

If the defense is sluggish, mix it up. Go full court pressure to get their asses in gear. If someone is still dogging it, sit their ass on the bench. Something isn't working? Do something else. That's called coaching.

Yeah, looks like they're taking a hard pass on that approach...at least for now.

In high school, going to the press works. Not sure much in college. Generally, guys are too big (pass over it) and too quick with the ball (liberal dribbling rules) so the press can lead to easy baskets.

Sparty went down 11-0 today at Maryland...no press from Izzo.

Going to the bench usually gets players attention.

[Blue Man]

I’d love to say it can’t get worse, but how is it going to get better without Fatts and Sheppard?

If I'm Thorr, I'm personally reaching out to the twins and Ish and asking how they feel right now. Obviously, he can't ask them if I get rid of Cox will you stay, but he can better understand how our guys feel about their future. I don't buy that our key guys will leave if Cox goes. Not after the way the team and players look right now. They all look miserable and unmotivated.

FWIW, Makhi, Makhel, and Ish (and maybe more importantly, their families) are all in on Cox.

Are we really sure about that though? I know how well connected you are so I'm legitimately asking your thoughts.

The hypothetical asks I have:

Do you think kids with the talent of the Mitchell twins want to play for a program with diminishing championship prospects?

If you're their mom, are you not looking at the fact that the defense has left Makhel in iso post up situations with zero help all year? With poor defensive communication and slow rotations it forces him to collect a ton of fouls. Affecting his ability to produce and play aggressive.

If you're Ish's mom, are you not looking at the fact that your son was probably robbed a chance to be rookie of the year in the conference because the coach played Carey twice his minutes for 3/4 of the season?

Of course they came here for Cox, but I wouldn't be as sure they're "all in" like they were.

I've been "all in" in previous relationships too, doesn't mean it stayed that way once I saw how things were going. Just my two cents.

[steviep123]

Does anyone have a video of the Betrand Dunk?

Koch had it:

[Jersey77]

If I'm Thorr, I'm personally reaching out to the twins and Ish and asking how they feel right now. Obviously, he can't ask them if I get rid of Cox will you stay, but he can better understand how our guys feel about their future. I don't buy that our key guys will leave if Cox goes. Not after the way the team and players look right now. They all look miserable and unmotivated.

FWIW, Makhi, Makhel, and Ish (and maybe more importantly, their families) are all in on Cox.

Are we really sure about that though? I know how well connected you are so I'm legitimately asking your thoughts.

The hypothetical asks I have:

Do you think kids with the talent of the Mitchell twins want to play for a program with diminishing championship prospects?

If you're their mom, are you not looking at the fact that the defense has left Makhel in iso post up situations with zero help all year? With poor defensive communication and slow rotations it forces him to collect a ton of fouls. Affecting his ability to produce and play aggressive.

If you're Ish's mom, are you not looking at the fact that your son was probably robbed a chance to be rookie of the year in the conference because the coach played Carey twice his minutes for 3/4 of the season?

Of course they came here for Cox, but I wouldn't be as sure they're "all in" like they were.

I've been "all in" in previous relationships too, doesn't mean it stayed that way once I saw how things were going. Just my two cents.

Blue Man, yes things do change as far as connections/relationships and what may be best for them.

But why would they choose to stay here and go through a whole new rebuilding process, with a staff that they have no ties with?

Many programs with better situations will be courting them.

I think you are grasping at straws here, thinking everything will be wonderful with our core here, during this transition.

[Rhodymob05]

Would they really transfer again?

[Jersey77]

Would they really transfer again?

Why wouldn't they and why would they choose to stay, when the main reason they came here would be gone?

[Rhodymob05]

Transferring is a major task, athletics and academically. Not too many guys do it twice, back to back seasons.

[Jersey77]

Transferring is a major task, athletics and academically. Not too many guys do it twice, back to back seasons.

You would probably be surprised at how many have, some multiple times, especially during a staff turnover.
Our situation is also a little different due to the fact that our head coach also happened to be the lead recruiter on these kids.

It is probably easier to make this change after just one year than waiting and doing it after they have already established themselves here.
Believe me once they make themselves available, the other schools will help make that transition much easier.

Many here need to accept the fact that if a change is made now, it will be a complete rebuild and will take time. We will not all of a sudden become a major player. Besides getting rid of a new head coach who is 49-38 after just 3 years during a pandemic won't sit well in the coaching community, it's not like we are a blueblood program.

[PeteRI]

Does anyone have a video of the Betrand Dunk?

Koch had it:

We've sunk so low we're tweeting a dunk made in another hapless loss to a mediocre team.

[Blue Man]

FWIW, Makhi, Makhel, and Ish (and maybe more importantly, their families) are all in on Cox.

Are we really sure about that though? I know how well connected you are so I'm legitimately asking your thoughts.

The hypothetical asks I have:

Do you think kids with the talent of the Mitchell twins want to play for a program with diminishing championship prospects?

If you're their mom, are you not looking at the fact that the defense has left Makhel in iso post up situations with zero help all year? With poor defensive communication and slow rotations it forces him to collect a ton of fouls. Affecting his ability to produce and play aggressive.

If you're Ish's mom, are you not looking at the fact that your son was probably robbed a chance to be rookie of the year in the conference because the coach played Carey twice his minutes for 3/4 of the season?

Of course they came here for Cox, but I wouldn't be as sure they're "all in" like they were.

I've been "all in" in previous relationships too, doesn't mean it stayed that way once I saw how things were going. Just my two cents.

Blue Man, yes things do change as far as connections/relationships and what may be best for them.

But why would they choose to stay here and go through a whole new rebuilding process, with a staff that they have no ties with?

Many programs with better situations will be courting them.

I think you are grasping at straws here, thinking everything will be wonderful with our core here, during this transition.

Well based on our recent history with transfers, I think it's equally "grasping at strawsy" to assume that these guys would stay with no coaching change.

What does a "rebuild" matter anyway. We are lucky to be 4 games under .500 with the team we have, losing our top 2 scorers. So no matter what we're rebuilding next year. Who says those kids want to stay for a rebuild with Cox who brought the program down to this point?

Regardless, I think it has been well established (or it should be by now) that you do not hire a coach to keep players. If you hire the right coach the players will come. Period.

If we hadn't hired Jerry D to try and foolishly keep Lamar, we could've hired Jay Wright from Hofstra.

[rambone 78]

The near future for this program does not look good, whether it's the players or the coaching, or both.

[NYGFan_Section208]

The near future for this program does not look good, whether it's the players or the coaching, or both.

Plenty of good seats available?

[Jersey77]

Are we really sure about that though? I know how well connected you are so I'm legitimately asking your thoughts.

The hypothetical asks I have:

Do you think kids with the talent of the Mitchell twins want to play for a program with diminishing championship prospects?

If you're their mom, are you not looking at the fact that the defense has left Makhel in iso post up situations with zero help all year? With poor defensive communication and slow rotations it forces him to collect a ton of fouls. Affecting his ability to produce and play aggressive.

If you're Ish's mom, are you not looking at the fact that your son was probably robbed a chance to be rookie of the year in the conference because the coach played Carey twice his minutes for 3/4 of the season?

Of course they came here for Cox, but I wouldn't be as sure they're "all in" like they were.

I've been "all in" in previous relationships too, doesn't mean it stayed that way once I saw how things were going. Just my two cents.

Blue Man, yes things do change as far as connections/relationships and what may be best for them.

But why would they choose to stay here and go through a whole new rebuilding process, with a staff that they have no ties with?

Many programs with better situations will be courting them.

I think you are grasping at straws here, thinking everything will be wonderful with our core here, during this transition.

Well based on our recent history with transfers, I think it's equally "grasping at strawsy" to assume that these guys would stay with no coaching change.

What does a "rebuild" matter anyway. We are lucky to be 4 games under .500 with the team we have, losing our top 2 scorers. So no matter what we're rebuilding next year. Who says those kids want to stay for a rebuild with Cox who brought the program down to this point?

Regardless, I think it has been well established (or it should be by now) that you do not hire a coach to keep players. If you hire the right coach the players will come. Period.

If we hadn't hired Jerry D to try and foolishly keep Lamar, we could've hired Jay Wright from Hofstra.

Yep, outlook for next season not bright at this point.

We can't look back though, probably only 1 game left, and we have all off-season to lick our wounds.

[rambone 78]

Even if fans had been able to go to the games this season, how many would have come?

[ramster]

Does anyone have a video of the Betrand Dunk?

Koch had it:

We've sunk so low we're tweeting a dunk made in another hapless loss to a mediocre team.

I think it is an excellent play by Betrand, a new transfer to URI trying to acclimate. It showed me what Betrand is capable of - and that he could be fearless and not tentative. Shows he is gaining confidence which is important heading into A10 Tourney and next season.

Impressive to me about this play is that it was against 6'8" Senior Michael Hughes. Hughes is a solid A10 big men. Hughes is 6th in A10 in rebounding and 5th in blocked shots and yet Betrand took it right at him.

Also loved replaying the one handed shovel pass from Sheppard to Harris. Sheppard is a very good passer. Harris juggled it a bit, allowing defense to cover him closer, then he smartly fired a bullet pass to Betrand in the corner who did the rest. Nice replay to watch multiple times.

[reef]

Betrand needs to work in that outside shot during the off-season need him to hit that 3 ball consistently

[Rhody15]

Betrand needs to work in that outside shot during the off-season need him to hit that 3 ball consistently

Needs to work on everything*

[NYGFan_Section208]

Even if fans had been able to go to the games this season, how many would have come?

Who's going to go next year? (Spoiler alert: me)

[rambone 78]

Betrand isn't going to become a great shooter in his senior year.

It's the same as Fatts.