2016-17 Schedule Discussion

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Billyboy78 wrote:Since the home opener is usually against a nobody, I doubt it's anywhere close to a sellout.

Unless they are ranked...then, I have no doubt it will be.

860_rhody · Unread post by **860_rhody** » 8 years ago

When was the last time URI was ranked, period? Forget about starting the season ranked, but ranked at any point in time? Would be very surprised if we can't sellout.

rhodysurf · Unread post by **rhodysurf** » 8 years ago

860_rhody wrote:When was the last time URI was ranked, period? Forget about starting the season ranked, but ranked at any point in time? Would be very surprised if we can't sellout.

2008 i think. Although i may be wrong

860_rhody · Unread post by **860_rhody** » 8 years ago

So Danny Hamilton from UCONN is going to the draft. Now I REALLY want to play them.

rambone 78 · Unread post by **rambone 78** » 8 years ago

They have some good talent coming in, but that hurts them no doubt.

Funny how I like the UConn women, but can't stand the men's team.

I shall shed no tears for them.......

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

I have edited the first post to reflect the Rothstein information on the HOF tipoff and will continue to edit the first post as more information on the schedule comes in.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

Based on other posters, we started the season ranked in the 1998-99 season. That year we opened up at the PCC on 11/9/98 against TCU as part of the CoSIDA Classic doubleheader against TCU. PC against Vanderbilt was the other game. Our on campus debut was 11/24/98 against Brown. I haven't been able to find attendance figures for either game.

SmartyBarrett · Unread post by **SmartyBarrett** » 8 years ago

URI was ranked #23 in the 1998-99 preseason AP poll. The last time they were ranked period was 2007-08, when they were as high as 22.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sch ... de-island/

Obadiah · Unread post by **Obadiah** » 8 years ago

RhowdyRam02 wrote:Based on other posters, we started the season ranked in the 1998-99 season. That year we opened up at the PCC on 11/9/98 against TCU as part of the CoSIDA Classic doubleheader against TCU. PC against Vanderbilt was the other game. Our on campus debut was 11/24/98 against Brown. I haven't been able to find attendance figures for either game.

The TCU game at the PCC which URI won had an attendance of 5,102. The Rams then beat Vanderbilt the next night 82-69, before 5,420. The home opener against Brown in Keaney had a full house including standing room of 3,885.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

Thanks. So this idea that we're guaranteed a sell out if we start the year ranked isn't accurate. Possible? Yes. Definite? No.

Obadiah · Unread post by **Obadiah** » 8 years ago

For the record, in the Ryan era the seven highest attended openers were:

1. 2008, Brown, 5,859
2. 2002, USC, 5,785
3. 2003, Northeastern, 5,685
4. 2013, Maine, 5,410
5. 2004, Brown, 5,220
6. 2014, American, 5,089
7. 2011 Norfolk State, 5,045 (Hurley's first season)

The smallest attendance was in 2011, Baron's last season, versus Hofstra, 3,220.

The loss to Norfolk State in 2011 was the sole home opener loss in Ryan history.

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 8 years ago

An item on my bucket list (which will never happen) is to one day see a Rhody basketball game in Keaney Gym in front of a sold out crowd, giving the Cameron Indoors effect. That would be awesome.

Ram1019 · Unread post by **Ram1019** » 8 years ago

Don't get me wrong, I love the Ryan Center and I think it's great venue for cbb (definitely the best in RI...sorry big ed), but being a fan in my 20's, I have never had the Keaney Gym experience. I am very envious of you all.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

It wouldn't give you a Cameron Indoor vibe, but I've always thought they should do one of the exhibition games in Keaney.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

RhowdyRam02 wrote:Thanks. So this idea that we're guaranteed a sell out if we start the year ranked isn't accurate. Possible? Yes. Definite? No.

From the above...it looks like the last time they were ranked for a home opener, it was a sellout...and if they are ranked for the home opener this year, it will also be a sellout.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

They drew 5102 as part of a doubleheader in Providence coming off an Elite 8 season with Lamar Odom making his Rhody debut. 5102 wouldn't sell out the Ryan Center. They sold out Keaney, which is half the size of the Ryan Center.

Obadiah · Unread post by **Obadiah** » 8 years ago

While I loved Kearney, I am no fan of financially unwise moves or romantic notions. Exhibition games are part of the season ticket package and the number of season ticket holders would practically fill Keaney, especially considering the new fire rules which would prohibit the 500 standees formerly allowed and this fact brings Keaney's capacity down to the 3,385 level. Only a small number of students could get in.

STC · Unread post by **STC** » 8 years ago

No way URI sells out the opener even if a Top 25 team unless it is against a marquee opponent. I think casual fans will take a wait and see approach next year, let URI prove themselves first.

The sense I get from talking to fellow alums/casual fans that follow URI is that they are tired of the hype and want some tangible results they can get excited about. Can't say I disagree...

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Here's what you aren't taking into account when you talk to 'casual fans/alums' imo... one of my kids that goes to URI lives with three other girls. She will go to 'some' of the games...her roommates hardly any at all. Most games, average attendance = about .5 from the 4 of them. For 'big' games (multiple definitions there), all 4 of them will go. My daughter's roommates are less fanatical than even 'casual fans'..they don't "follow URI"...at no point during the year will they be able to tell you what the record is...or name 5 teams in the Top 10...but they will all 4 go if the game is hyped at all...

If they open at home ranked...all 4 will go. And I'm sure there are lots of similar situations. Not talking about a year's worth of sellouts...talking about one game...the home opener (not an 'exhibition')...ranked. You only get one shot to be ranked for your home opener...and IF that happens...the game will sell out...

jmck · Unread post by **jmck** » 8 years ago

If URI opens ranked at home against a Maine or UNH type team I don't see a sell out but should see between 6500-7000. Last year they got 5102 for American and they had just as much hype and were "ranked" 33rd.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

and 'casual fan' recognizes and appreciates "33rd" as 'others receiving votes'. Don't think that resonates with 'less than casual' fan. I think "Less than casual" fan understands "Top 25"...

josephski · Unread post by **josephski** » 8 years ago

Casual fans know the difference between an exciting game and a boring one. If we're top 25 but playing some no name school then I don't expect a sellout.

URI is also not a sports school. There's plenty of state schools that attract students due to their sports programs. URI is certainly not one of those schools so even with a top 25 ranking I'd imagine it will still take some wins before attendance is consistently good.

STC · Unread post by **STC** » 8 years ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote:Here's what you aren't taking into account when you talk to 'casual fans/alums' imo... one of my kids that goes to URI lives with three other girls. She will go to 'some' of the games...her roommates hardly any at all. Most games, average attendance = about .5 from the 4 of them. For 'big' games (multiple definitions there), all 4 of them will go. My daughter's roommates are less fanatical than even 'casual fans'..they don't "follow URI"...at no point during the year will they be able to tell you what the record is...or name 5 teams in the Top 10...but they will all 4 go if the game is hyped at all...

If they open at home ranked...all 4 will go. And I'm sure there are lots of similar situations. Not talking about a year's worth of sellouts...talking about one game...the home opener (not an 'exhibition')...ranked. You only get one shot to be ranked for your home opener...and IF that happens...the game will sell out...

If your daughter or her roommates ever need me to fill in for a game just let me know. I'm sure given our history on this board you wouldn't mind!

Anyways, you are definitely correct, I always tried to get my friends/roommates to go to games with me and they were always lukewarm on going unless:

1. Marquee opponent and/or ESPN is in town (kind of go hand in hand)
2. Pink out
3. I was getting them drunk either before or at the game (don't judge, this is what the Baron era did to us)

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

STC wrote:
NYGFan_Section208 wrote:Here's what you aren't taking into account when you talk to 'casual fans/alums' imo... one of my kids that goes to URI lives with three other girls. She will go to 'some' of the games...her roommates hardly any at all. Most games, average attendance = about .5 from the 4 of them. For 'big' games (multiple definitions there), all 4 of them will go. My daughter's roommates are less fanatical than even 'casual fans'..they don't "follow URI"...at no point during the year will they be able to tell you what the record is...or name 5 teams in the Top 10...but they will all 4 go if the game is hyped at all...

If they open at home ranked...all 4 will go. And I'm sure there are lots of similar situations. Not talking about a year's worth of sellouts...talking about one game...the home opener (not an 'exhibition')...ranked. You only get one shot to be ranked for your home opener...and IF that happens...the game will sell out...
If your daughter or her roommates ever need me to fill in for a game just let me know. I'm sure given our history on this board you wouldn't mind!

Anyways, you are definitely correct, I always tried to get my friends/roommates to go to games with me and they were always lukewarm on going unless:

1. Marquee opponent and/or ESPN is in town (kind of go hand in hand)
2. Pink out
3. I was getting them drunk either before or at the game (don't judge, this is what the Baron era did to us)

Yep, it's the less than casual fan that makes the diff, I think. As far as #3 goes...not sure that's specific to the Baron era, is it? I thought that was what 'college' did for, er, I mean 'to' all of us?

RF1 · Unread post by **RF1** » 8 years ago

Attendance for URI games always starts off slow with the lesser name opponents. Even with all the hype last season, only a little over 5k came out for the Friday night opener against American. We will probably see something similar next year. Attendance will only rise as wins accumulate and the program gains momentum. If these do not happen, it will be the same 4-5k for games with it getting a bit better for more familiar names in conference play.

CT Rhody · Unread post by **CT Rhody** » 8 years ago

I love all the discussion. I'm in the camp of no sell out unless it's a big name brand school. Early season games don't normally draw as well as late season games being one of the reasons I say that. Also, in my opinion and only my opinion, it's going to take an NCAA berth to really change some is the perception of the program with the casual fan out there. Until that happens, we won't see a dramatic rise in attendance in the early part of the season.

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 8 years ago

jmck wrote:If URI opens ranked at home against a Maine or UNH type team I don't see a sell out but should see between 6500-7000. Last year they got 5102 for American and they had just as much hype and were "ranked" 33rd.

I'm walking in the season opener with my rosary beads.

Unread post by **ATPTourFan** » 8 years ago

SmartyBarrett wrote:URI was ranked #23 in the 1998-99 preseason AP poll. The last time they were ranked period was 2007-08, when they were as high as 22./

Rhode Island broke into the Top 25 on Christmas Eve 2007 at #25 in both polls with a 11-1 record.

After beating Eastern Michigan and Georgia Southern in some strange little exempt tournament, they rose to #23 AP / #22 Coaches.

Then they crushed Fairleigh Dickinson at home 94-63 to move up to #22 AP / #20 Coaches. The lead of the AP story that night:

Associated Press wrote:Jim Baron says he would have reacted in disbelief if anyone had told him before the season that his Rhode Island team would open with a 14-1 record.

"I would have said, 'What are you drinking?'" Baron said.

The next week would introduce the challenge of Atlantic 10 play and a date at #17 Dayton where the Rams lost despite a strong second half push. Rhody squeaked by Duquesne at home to close the week 15-2 (1-1 A10) and earn only a minor de-rating to #23 AP / #21 Coaches.

Rhody then traveled to St Louis for a Thursday night tip at the site of the 1998 Elite 8 travesty. This time, Rhody played sloppy basketball the entire game and took the loss in their only game of the week to fall out of both polls when they were released on January 21.

While the Rams responded with a nice 4 game winning streak where they were getting 7000+ once students returned to the Ryan Center, including a sold-out pink out game vs Dayton, they next lost a heartbreaker at UMass and won at Rose Hill to go to 20-4.

From there, you know the story. Let's just say that season "didn't end well".

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

Valparaiso's Alec Peters has declared for the draft but won't be hiring an agent.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/p ... story.html

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Go pro, young man (esp if on URI sched), go pro!

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 8 years ago

We play out there this year.

hrstrat57 · Unread post by **hrstrat57** » 8 years ago

Valpo completely different team w/o Peters.

Outstanding player.

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 8 years ago

Hope he stays... it will be better for our RPI after we beat them.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Worry about just beating them? And, chances are better without that guy...

PeterRamTime · Unread post by **PeterRamTime** » 8 years ago

Yeah duh, valpo will be garbage without him. Stay in school Alec! We need marquee road wins!

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Just my .02...but I think, just win the games and don't worry about 'who stays' on the opponent's side. Just win...and it will take care of itself...

Billyboy78 · Unread post by **Billyboy78** » 8 years ago

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Report-Duke-g ... r-44735191

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 8 years ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote:Just my .02...but I think, just win the games and don't worry about 'who stays' on the opponent's side. Just win...and it will take care of itself...

With Peters we have an opportunity to beat a team that should win their conference and will probably be a tournament team. Without him, that's not happening. I personally want as many chances as possible for GOOD wins for our team next year.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Wanting Peters to stay seems like overthink... "Winning" is the most important thing...more likely to beat valpo without peters...so, hopefully, he goes. Beating them without Peters is better than losing to them with him...chances of losing to them are increased if he stays...so, freekn just go, young man....

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 8 years ago

It's highly unlikely Peters returns to Valpo.
First he will likely impress NBA scouts and could go NBA Draft

But second, he graduated Valpo in only 3 years so he will go forward as a grad student meaning he could play immediately anywhere.

If he does not go NBA he will want to showcase and tweak his wares in a high major conference. Play stronger competition every game and show scouts he can compete in high majors.

Plan on Valpo minus Peters.

Rhody15 · Unread post by **Rhody15** » 8 years ago

I'd rather take a win without Peters than a loss with Peters at Valpo..no guarantee at all we win at Valpo with him still on the team.

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 8 years ago

Come to URI Peters!

PeterRamTime · Unread post by **PeterRamTime** » 8 years ago

If Alec is gone, so are four other guys, so they will be a much different team.

Obadiah · Unread post by **Obadiah** » 8 years ago

Back to the schedule;

HOF tournament details as of now. Dates/times to follow.

@ Mohegan

Game 1: URI vs. Cincinnati
Game 2: URI vs. Duke/Penn State

@ Ryan

Game 1: URI vs. Brown
Game 2: URI vs. Marist

PeterRamTime · Unread post by **PeterRamTime** » 8 years ago

Where does it say we are playing brown and Marist as part of the tourney ?

Billyboy78 · Unread post by **Billyboy78** » 8 years ago

If we're playing Brown in the tourney, doesn't that now put us back to 26 games scheduled so far? Or will we be playing Brown twice?

Obadiah · Unread post by **Obadiah** » 8 years ago

We are playing Brown only once. Playing them in the HOF game means we will play Brown in back to back home games this season and next. It will also cost URI because they will now have to buy a game to replace the original Brown game. The plan is to play 31 games, so we have to schedule 5 more OOC games.

RF1 · Unread post by **RF1** » 8 years ago

It sucks that we get an annual always on the schedule opponent for a tournament game.

CT Rhody · Unread post by **CT Rhody** » 8 years ago

Any word on who the 5 other potential games are?

Obadiah · Unread post by **Obadiah** » 8 years ago

Not a lot of definitive action yet and with the Brown HOF match-up, we have gone backwards in that another opponent has to be found. I know they are trying for a P5 team on a neutral site. Lots of work to be done but we should get some news about the cupcakes on the schedule soon. Getting the big boys is more complicated and will take time.