I'm Choosing To Believe

Blue Man · Unread post by **Blue Man** » 4 years ago

I love college basketball. This is the best 2 weeks in sports at any level. Literally anything can happen. Upsets. Ivy's over ACC's. Autobids over Blue Bloods. 16 over 1. Teams that shouldn't be winning find a way. Teams that shouldn't ever lose find a way. Hot teams get cold. Cold teams get hot. Total anarchy....and I'm here for it.

Now, I love college basketball - but I LOVE the Rams.

So what the hell? With all this craziness about to commence around championship week; random shots going on, teams that are remarkably outgunned, outmanned, or just seem broken beyond repair are going to find a way to win and make the NCAA tournament. In the words of the great Rod Carri: Why not us?

The talent is clearly there. Inconsistent. Maddeningly inconsistent. But it's there. It's as likely that it shows up as it is that it doesn't.

The experience is there too. Even if questionable and disappearing at times down the stretch, we have guys who have won before. Guys who know what it takes. 60% of our starters have won this tournament before, on a team that had their backs against the wall the same as we do now.

When playing their best, we have 2 of the best guards in the country. At their peak - we are in the conversation for the best starting backcourt in the nation. There's no rhyme or reason for why Jeff and Fatts could or could not show up this weekend and carry us through.

When you break it down - we're a couple of open shots missed away from being an at-large team. Who says those shots don't fall this weekend??

There are just as many valid and invalid reasons that we could be out on Friday night, as there are that we could be holding a trophy on Sunday afternoon.

So screw it. WHY. NOT. US!?

There's plenty of valid, depressed, angry, and disappointed threads on this board. We're all involved in most of them given the last few weeks. This thread is the one where I take the other tact. The end of the year is coming sometime in the next month, and we can deal with a final assessment then.

Right now? I'm choosing to believe. LET"S DO THIS.

See you in Brooklyn.

#GoRhody

adam914 · Unread post by **adam914** » 4 years ago

Brand new 3 game season! There should be no reason this team can't go 3-0.

steviep123 · Unread post by **steviep123** » 4 years ago

Yes! Blue Man! This is the post we need at the time we need it! Why not us indeed! Let's fn go! Is it Friday yet?

bpaz11 · Unread post by **bpaz11** » 4 years ago

This can totally be done. We have a week to practice and work out the things that have been holding us back. Then the way I see it we obviously need to win Friday and Saturday. Then a key factor is St. Louis playing Dayton and beating them. They are perfectly capable. Should have won the first time they played and played them tough the second time. We then face St. Louis on Sunday. I don't see us making the same mistakes the 2nd time around or falling behind 11-0 to start and we grab the automatic bid.

McRam · Unread post by **McRam** » 4 years ago

Blue Man wrote: ↑4 years ago I love college basketball. This is the best 2 weeks in sports at any level. Literally anything can happen. Upsets. Ivy's over ACC's. Autobids over Blue Bloods. 16 over 1. Teams that shouldn't be winning find a way. Teams that shouldn't ever lose find a way. Hot teams get cold. Cold teams get hot. Total anarchy....and I'm here for it.

Now, I love college basketball - but I LOVE the Rams.

So what the hell? With all this craziness about to commence around championship week; random shots going on, teams that are remarkably outgunned, outmanned, or just seem broken beyond repair are going to find a way to win and make the NCAA tournament. In the words of the great Rod Carri: Why not us?

The talent is clearly there. Inconsistent. Maddeningly inconsistent. But it's there. It's as likely that it shows up as it is that it doesn't.

The experience is there too. Even if questionable and disappearing at times down the stretch, we have guys who have won before. Guys who know what it takes. 60% of our starters have won this tournament before, on a team that had their backs against the wall the same as we do now.

When playing their best, we have 2 of the best guards in the country. At their peak - we are in the conversation for the best starting backcourt in the nation. There's no rhyme or reason for why Jeff and Fatts could or could not show up this weekend and carry us through.

When you break it down - we're a couple of open shots missed away from being an at-large team. Who says those shots don't fall this weekend??

There are just as many valid and invalid reasons that we could be out on Friday night, as there are that we could be holding a trophy on Sunday afternoon.

So screw it. WHY. NOT. US!?

There's plenty of valid, depressed, angry, and disappointed threads on this board. We're all involved in most of them given the last few weeks. This thread is the one where I take the other tact. The end of the year is coming sometime in the next month, and we can deal with a final assessment then.

Right now? I'm choosing to believe. LET"S DO THIS.

See you in Brooklyn.

#GoRhody

Yeah. Thanks!!! Your job is now to talk to the team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BlackDogRants · Unread post by **BlackDogRants** » 4 years ago

Fine! I’ll buy in!

Tickets purchased for Friday night - Section 25

Rhody123 · Unread post by **Rhody123** » 4 years ago

You're right... WHY NOT US!!!

Rhodyhooopz · Unread post by **Rhodyhooopz** » 4 years ago

ALL IN!!! No more bitching about any player or coach.

As Herb Brooks once said (modified for URI)

This weekend, we play with 'em.

This Weekend, we stay with 'em, and we shut them down because we can!

This weekend, we are the greatest basketball team in the world.

You were born to be basketball players -- every one of ya.

And you were meant to be here this weekend.

This is your time.

Their time -- is done. It's over.

ElmCityRhody · Unread post by **ElmCityRhody** » 4 years ago

I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE

NC_Ram · Unread post by **NC_Ram** » 4 years ago

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

HELL NO!

Tjrams91 · Unread post by **Tjrams91** » 4 years ago

Thank God, I’m not bi-polar.

Go Rhody!

Rhodyhooopz · Unread post by **Rhodyhooopz** » 4 years ago

No sleep till,
Brooklyn!

Foot on the pedal
Never ever false metal
Engine running hotter than a boiling kettle
My job ain't a job
It's a damn good time
City to city I'm running my rhymes.
On location
Touring around the nation
Rhody Rams never on vacation
Itchy trigger finger
But a stable turntable
I do what I do best
Because I'm willing and able.
Ain't no faking
Your money I'm taking
Going coast to coast to watch all the Rams shaking.
While you're at the job working nine to five
The Rhody Rams at the Barclay's Center
Cold kickin' it live.

steviep123 · Unread post by **steviep123** » 4 years ago

NC_Ram wrote: ↑4 years ago Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

HELL NO!

"What? Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!...

It ain't over now, 'cause when the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'. Who's with me? Let's go! Come on!...(runs out the front door but no one follows)

(returning): What the f--k happened to the KeaneyBlue I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? This could be the greatest week of our lives, but you're gonna let it be the worst. 'Ooh, we're afraid to go with you, we might LOSE.' Well, just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this. Duquesne? Their a dead team! Richmond? Dead! St. Louis or Dayton? DEAD DEAD! Who's going to take that A10 Tournament Trophy?We're just the guys to do it...LET'S DO IT!"

damram · Unread post by **damram** » 4 years ago

Thank God for anarchy.

URIROTC2006 · Unread post by **URIROTC2006** » 4 years ago

LFG!!!!

rhodylaw · Unread post by **rhodylaw** » 4 years ago

F’ Yeah Blue Man - this is Dowtin time!

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

No worries at Barclays

Beer is available

Wifi works

Cell reception works

No parking lot delays - no driving

Replays work

Pregame festivities

Postgame festivities

No CUE

Good audio system

No Rhody Fans arriving late or leaving early disrupting sight lines

No worries about crowd size and counting green dots

Everybody positive - no whining allowed

Billyboy78 · Unread post by **Billyboy78** » 4 years ago

Rhodyhooopz · Unread post by **Rhodyhooopz** » 4 years ago

Love the attitude. My son and i are going down Friday to catch all 4 games. He said to me last night "Dad, I wish it was Friday already. I think it's going to be just like when we with to Pittsburgh" He and I drove the 6 1/2 hours to Pittsburgh a few years ago and he got his first real taste of URI Basketball. Cutting down the nets.

I have been in the building for both of URI's A10 championships. Both times URI had to win to make the dance.

LET"S GO GET #3!!!!!!!

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

Last five A10 Tournament Champs:

2019 St Louis- 6 seed
2018 Davidson - 3 seed
2017 Rhode Island - 4 seed
2016 St.Joes - 4 seed
2015 VCU - 5 seed

rhodyfan3000 · Unread post by **rhodyfan3000** » 4 years ago

Yeah, baby!

Success is a choice. Choose to be better.

luke · Unread post by **luke** » 4 years ago

I am right there with you Blueman . Great post . and I'm right there with all you guys on this thread. all they have to do is win Friday right now
and that should be the team's entire focus . BEAT DUQUESNE ( Or Lasalle/ Fordham as unlikely as that is ) . Just win game one and they are
on their way .

luke · Unread post by **luke** » 4 years ago

Correction ( Duquesne/ GW / Fordham ) These are the possible Friday opponents.

Taylor Swift · Unread post by **Taylor Swift** » 4 years ago

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago No worries at Barclays
Beer is available

Wifi works

Cell reception works

No parking lot delays - no driving

Replays work

Pregame festivities

Postgame festivities

No CUE

Good audio system

No Rhody Fans arriving late or leaving early disrupting sight lines

No worries about crowd size and counting green dots

Everybody positive - no whining allowed

No CUE because they probably have frickin laser beams!

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

Taylor Swift wrote: ↑4 years ago
ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago No worries at Barclays
Beer is available

Wifi works

Cell reception works

No parking lot delays - no driving

Replays work

Pregame festivities

Postgame festivities

No CUE

Good audio system

No Rhody Fans arriving late or leaving early disrupting sight lines

No worries about crowd size and counting green dots

Everybody positive - no whining allowed

No CUE because they probably have frickin laser beams!

Now we’re talkin

reef · Unread post by **reef** » 4 years ago

I agree it’s true anything is possible

If we play like we did during that 10 game streak we obviously can play with anyone in this conf

Maybe Fatts gets in that zone and the others play to their capabilities

Rhodyhooopz · Unread post by **Rhodyhooopz** » 4 years ago

A10 tourney is Dowtin time!!!

Rhodyhooopz · Unread post by **Rhodyhooopz** » 4 years ago

jaywin86 · Unread post by **jaywin86** » 4 years ago

Yes! An Old School Blue man Battle cry! Love it

See you in Brooklyn

URI_CellBio14 · Unread post by **URI_CellBio14** » 4 years ago

I truly believe this but this could be a very special month for Ocean State hoops ( PC (I know, I know...) is getting hot at the right time).

It’s been a rough several weeks. For all the shit he gets Cox was a finalist last year as the top first year coach in D1 hoops.

I believe in our coach and players, who can beat anyone. I believe in our fans, who drowned out the cheers of Oregon’s fans 3 years ago despite Sacramento being way closer to Oregon than URI

I think a lot of us look back fondly on Hurley and those magical 2 seasons. For faith in Cox, all I need is this quote from him:

“A winning model of successful programs like Butler and Xavier has been to find success on the floor and with your staff and if someone moves on you promote from within and leverage the continuity of a program,” Hurley said. “That’s something I believed in. The fact that Rhode Island had someone of Dave’s character and ability on hand can keep the program moving forward.”

Paleoguy · Unread post by **Paleoguy** » 4 years ago

NC_Ram wrote: ↑4 years ago Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

HELL NO!

The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??? History majors arise! Lol....

Unread post by **TruePoint** » 4 years ago

I respect the HELL out of the optimism here. You guys are awesome.

I can’t get there, though. Hope I continue my season-long streak of being wrong about just about everything.

Unread post by **TruePoint** » 4 years ago

Paleoguy wrote: ↑4 years ago
NC_Ram wrote: ↑4 years ago Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

HELL NO!
The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??? History majors arise! Lol....

Guys who have never seen Animal House humiliate yourselves! Lol...

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

Paleoguy wrote: ↑4 years ago
NC_Ram wrote: ↑4 years ago Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

HELL NO!
The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??? History majors arise! Lol....

Bluto : Hey! What's all this laying around shit?
Stork : What the hell are we supposed to do, ya moron?
D-Day : [to Bluto] War's over, man. Wormer dropped the big one.
Bluto : What? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Otter : [to Boon] Germans?
Boon : Forget it, he's rolling.
Bluto : And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...
[thinks hard of something to say]
Bluto : The tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go!

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 4 years ago

TruePoint wrote: ↑4 years ago I respect the HELL out of the optimism here. You guys are awesome.

I can’t get there, though. Hope I continue my season-long streak of being wrong about just about everything.

I know! I want to be excited and I want to have hope. I expect 1 win and 1 loss. I do think we can beat anyone not named Dayton if we are hot. The problem is we need to win the tournament and we have about a 1% chance of beating Dayton. This is the year where the 1 seed wins it.

PeterRamTime · Unread post by **PeterRamTime** » 4 years ago

steveystuds06 wrote: ↑4 years ago
TruePoint wrote: ↑4 years ago I respect the HELL out of the optimism here. You guys are awesome.

I can’t get there, though. Hope I continue my season-long streak of being wrong about just about everything.
I know! I want to be excited and I want to have hope. I expect 1 win and 1 loss. I do think we can beat anyone not named Dayton if we are hot. The problem is we need to win the tournament and we have about a 1% chance of beating Dayton. This is the year where the 1 seed wins it.

Of Fatts goes off on Dayton we can beat them.

If SLU can take them to the wire when they play their best we sure can.

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

If you have been watching the conference tournaments, you would notice that crazy upsets have already happened.

HASwatTeam · Unread post by **HASwatTeam** » 4 years ago

Me reading Blue Man's post:

https://giphy.com/gifs/editingandlayout-B3nATT4FPkb3G

Shinze88 · Unread post by **Shinze88** » 4 years ago

TruePoint wrote: ↑4 years ago I respect the HELL out of the optimism here. You guys are awesome.

I can’t get there, though. Hope I continue my season-long streak of being wrong about just about everything.

+10000000 ... i'm in the same boat, I want to be excited and have hope we can get things together and play some solid basketball and get to a conference final. I'm just not seeing how this team can pull together this type of a run coming off the performance of the past 6 games. Last year we came into the A10 tournament on a nice 4 game win streak following an abysmal February, this year we are coming into the A10 tournament losers of 4 out of 7 with the slimmest of wins against 2 bad teams in Fordham and UMass, I'm not sure how this teams all of a sudden starts shooting, passing, defending and coaching like they need to in order to advance. I certainly hope I'm wrong

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

steveystuds06 wrote: ↑4 years ago
TruePoint wrote: ↑4 years ago I respect the HELL out of the optimism here. You guys are awesome.

I can’t get there, though. Hope I continue my season-long streak of being wrong about just about everything.
I know! I want to be excited and I want to have hope. I expect 1 win and 1 loss. I do think we can beat anyone not named Dayton if we are hot. The problem is we need to win the tournament and we have about a 1% chance of beating Dayton. This is the year where the 1 seed wins it.

We should beat Fordham/ George Washington/ Duquesne.

Then we should win Saturday 3:30pm.

Then Sunday 1pm. Several A10 teams have played Dayton tough. Let Fiwtin shoot the 3’s. He was 5-7. Let the shooters shoot.

We can beat Dayton.

Most thought we had no chance in Pittsburgh.

Jeff Dowtin and Cyril Langevine best Big East Creighton as Freshmen. They almost beat Oregon out in Sacramento.

Jermaine Harris is playing his best ball as a URI Ram right now.

Tyrese Martin is rebounding great. He can play.

Russell can get hot, passing the ball more now.

Toppin, Walker and Long make yo a more than adequate bench.

This is the year, this is the time.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 4 years ago

I don't remember a feeling of us not being able to win in Pittsburgh. We were in the midst of a hot streak and playing our best basketball

Sox1 · Unread post by **Sox1** » 4 years ago

There is no reason not to be optimistic. We have guys who can play, and its March. If they fall short i'll be sad, but its great how they get one last chance to prove it this year. I'm ready to take that ride.

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

RhowdyRam02 wrote: ↑4 years ago I don't remember a feeling of us not being able to win in Pittsburgh. We were in the midst of a hot streak and playing our best basketball

Fair enough
I was responding to the comment expecting to win one and lose one in Barclays

Trying to overcome and pessimism that is present this week.

I Think Dayton is beatable. Several A10 teams have given Dayton a good battle, just not URI..........YET!!!

luke · Unread post by **luke** » 4 years ago

I agree Rhody Ram 02 . we felt like URI was the favorite in Pittsburgh I was sure they would win. My wife and I drove out from NJ through a snow storm
to get to game one and stayed the weekend . It was a thrilling climax to the season. I could see URI winning against Duquesne and also Richmond .
If that happens , I can see a scenario where URI beats Dayton in the finale on Sunday . It would not shock me at all. But the business at hand is
to win game one probably over Duquesne . I am confident that will happen and that is all I care about for now .

phipsiGD'11 · Unread post by **phipsiGD'11** » 4 years ago

New season starts Friday.
Everyone is beatable.
One possession,
One timeout,
One half,
One game at a time.
Crazier things have happened.

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

luke wrote: ↑4 years ago I agree Rhody Ram 02 . we felt like URI was the favorite in Pittsburgh I was sure they would win. My wife and I drove out from NJ through a snow storm
to get to game one and stayed the weekend . It was a thrilling climax to the season. I could see URI winning against Duquesne and also Richmond .
If that happens , I can see a scenario where URI beats Dayton in the finale on Sunday . It would not shock me at all. But the business at hand is
to win game one probably over Duquesne . I am confident that will happen and that is all I care about for now .

I already said fair enough. I misspoke

steviep123 · Unread post by **steviep123** » 4 years ago

Take the game in 4 min sections. Win each and you win the game by 10 or more.

Billyboy78 · Unread post by **Billyboy78** » 4 years ago

Dayton is the best team this league has seen in a LONG time. I think anyone beating them in the A10 right now would be a huge upset. That being said, I'd sure like another shot at them.

luke · Unread post by **luke** » 4 years ago

Love the optimism from all . As Ramster said , Dayton is beatable , we just haven't beaten Dayton YET . And most know that it is often hard to beat a team three times in one season . While Dayton has a special team this season , they are not immune to such forces or a letdown after a long season.
It can be done.

ram1980 · Unread post by **ram1980** » 4 years ago

Would love to share the optimism some have in beating Dayton.. I just don't see it. We were never in either game. We just did not match up well with them at all.. my optimism would increase if someone knocks them off.. oh yeah we have to win 2 games first.. has to be a major improvement in all phases of the game to even do that.. just being real.. went to every home game this year . Just seems it's going to be tough to do a 180 and turn it around. Does Cox have ability to make adjustments.. does defensive intensity return. Can they make shots.. big ifs.. certainly hopeful..

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