ESPN Basketball Preview Article

[The Dude]

Not sure if this was posted anywhere else but noticed this article on Rhody on ESPN today:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketb ... api_public

[Rhody74]

A fair assessment, but only picks URI 9th.

[ace]

The last sentence is kind of funny, considering they beat Saint Louis last year. And no, I'm still not quite sure how that happened.

The last few previews I've read have seemed to go like this one- lots of positives, some fair assessment, and then a lower than expected predicted finish.

[bressler3south]

First off, Dude, thanks for the "Insider Preview"!!!!!! (Surprised you weren't sanctioned!)
Second, personally tired of reading these "expert previews," which make me drool.
If I were a subscriber to "ESPN Insider," I'd want my money back. You get more info/insight reading sites like this one!!!!

[Seawrightspostgame]

I have been told in the past to not post ESPN stuff on here.

Still thanks for the heads up

[twisted3829]

you can post ESPN stuff, just don't copy and paste the entire article especially if it's an insider article

[ATPTourFan]

In fairness to The Dude, he provided a link to a "freebie" insider doc (the other A10 team previews are protected, just not the URI one)

[reef]

We will finish way better than 9th !!

[Justns11]

ATP, any idea why the the URI preview is a "freebie", but the other A10 team previews are protected? Maybe they allow you to view one freebie (any team) and then the others are protected and we just happened to view URI's preview first?

[Iggy1979]

Everyone assumes Munford, with more offensive help, will have a better shot selection and thus shoot a better percentage. That's something I'll be watching this season. The thing about Munford is some of his "worst" shots went in, so I think improving his percentage will be easier said than done. he could shoot better by playing less, however, because it is true he will have way more help.

[ATPTourFan]

ATP, any idea why the the URI preview is a "freebie", but the other A10 team previews are protected? Maybe they allow you to view one freebie (any team) and then the others are protected and we just happened to view URI's preview first?

This is typical of ESPN Insider. They would give one random team's preview out for free to help you understand what you are missing with the other 12 teams. I bet each conference has one team's preview set to free.

[Blue Man]

"That doesn't mean the Rams can handle VCU or St. Louis yet"

Someone should tell St. Louis that...

[rodfromcranston]

There were times last season, when Munford was so gassed that he'd go into a corner on offense, and bend over holding his shorts, to catch his breath, and then get into the offense later in the shot clock.
That won't happen this season, and it has to be a good thing for him.

[BFC]

Gilvydas Biruta, Rhode Island: Sporting an unusual blend of ruggedness and skill, the 6-8 Biruta should instantly become one of the better players in the Atlantic 10. Skilled and crafty around the rim, this Lithuania native averaged 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game two seasons ago at Rutgers. The biggest difference in Biruta between now and then? A capable face-up game. Put him down for at least 30 made three-point shots during the upcoming year.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... -transfers

[URIGONZO]

Expectations for this team are all over the place!

[rambone 78]

We don't need 3 pointers from Biruta. We need him inside, scoring and rebounding. He's going to be a 15 ppg and 8 rpg guy for us.

[ATPTourFan]

Agreed, I didn't like the look of his 3pt shot at the open practice. I guess it helps to be respected as someone who MIGHT hit a 3, but please, Gilvydas, play closer to the basket.

[rambone 78]

This team should be in EVERY A10 game this season. I don't see them getting blown out anywhere.

The success level hinges on one thing: How many close ones do we win? There will be a few close losses, just keep them to a minimum.

Say we have 12 games [whole season] where the margin of victory or defeat is 5 points or less. Need to win at least 8 or 9 of those.

Make shots and FT's in crunch time. Simple really! Haha.

[rambone 78]

ATP, you're right about his shot in that practice. Same goes for the Big O and Hare.

All need to shoot within 10-12 feet to be effective. The Big O's shot looked horrible outside of a layup. Hare's actually looked good for the most part.

We have outside shooters. There won't be any 3 point shooting from our bigs, or there shouldn't be, anyway. The sight of Sponge launching multiple 3's is a distant memory.

If everyone concentrates on doing what they do best, we'll be fine. We have the depth to do that this year.

[Iggy1979]

CBS write-up said Gil would make 30 3-pointers this year, which is about what Powell and Nik made last year.

[The Dude]

Personally I'm just glad Rhody is getting some recognition from ESPN and other networks this year, even if the predictions of where they will finish in the standings seem a little low.

[rambone 78]

I can see why they are hesitant to put Rhody in the top half of the league yet. The Rams still have to prove they belong there, by winning games. URI has been down for a while, and Hurley or no Hurley, they were 8-21 last year.

Hey, if you-know-who was still here, they would have picked us 14th out of 13 teams, and rightly so.

[ATPTourFan]

OMG, I just had a momentary stomach turning thought of what the roster would look like this year if Baron had been allowed to coach his final year on the contract.

[rambone 78]

Allowing ourselves to think about where the program might be if JB was still here?

Mind boggling. No talent, no wins. Academic probation for years. No need to worry about a postseason ban, there wouldn't be any under any circumstances.

Self imposed death penalty. And we wouldn't be here to talk about it either.

[rodfromcranston]

It's like wishing you could take a trip back on the Titanic.

[Rhody74]

Isn't there treatment for PBSD? (Post Baron Stress Disorder) .... It seems to be pervasive here.

[rodfromcranston]

Yes, winning. This is the antedote to the trauma of
Baronball.

[ATPTourFan]

Yes, Rod. Exactly. We haven't been served a heavy dose of winning just yet, but I think we'll all be cured by Spring!!

[luke]

Amen. Can't wait to see it start. Beat The Arizona Wildcats!

[Bos8]

Cbs preview. They have us between 7-10. Picked EC as the newcomer of the year.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... tlantic-10

[adam914]

Their write up on us is a bit strange. Mentioning the loss of Malone as our most efficient scorer. Efficient maybe, but hardly a difference maker most of the time. Then they mention Munford almost like they didnt realize he was the leading scorer last year. Then no mentions of the transfers at all.

[Ramblinrose]

The last thing I want is Biruta hoisting treys. Be a banger.

[ATPTourFan]

That CBS ranking is by the Norlander guy who had the craziest A10 predicted finish oi all the CBS guys. He's also the only one of the 6 CBS college hoop guys I had never heard of.

This is his own opinion and not the combined intelligence of the CBS team.

Compare him against all the regulars at CBS:
http://www.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye-on-c ... redictions