KeaneyBlue - The URI Basketball Forum

Bryant has announced that construction will begin next year on a new convocation center. It will have a fixed seating capacity of some 3,400 and will be the future home of its men's basketball program.

https://news.bryant.edu/bryant-universi ... mier-venue

Excellent news for them!

BleedBlue87 wrote: ↑2 years ago Excellent news for them!

You can also expect an announcement from Smithfield about joining a new conference shortly. Most speculation points to the Bulldogs moving all sports but football to America East.

RF1 wrote: ↑2 years ago

BleedBlue87 wrote: ↑2 years ago Excellent news for them!

You can also expect an announcement from Smithfield about joining a new conference shortly. All speculation points to the Bulldogs moving all sports but football to America East.

I think that's a good move for them. Despite the hopefully blip on the radar from the other night, I always root for Bryant.

I think 3400 capacity is 50% too small for a program on the rise.

Anyone know how 3,400 compares to other arenas in the American East (if that’s where they’re going)?

KingstonLane wrote: ↑2 years ago Anyone know how 3,400 compares to other arenas in the American East (if that’s where they’re going)?

Definitely bigger than some, smaller than all the rest.

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago I think 3400 capacity is 50% too small for a program on the rise.

Does feel odd/too small, but also probably unrealistic for them to ever draw many more then their student body or some alumni. Competing with PC 15 minutes down the road

KingstonLane wrote: ↑2 years ago

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago I think 3400 capacity is 50% too small for a program on the rise.

Does feel odd/too small, but also probably unrealistic for them to ever draw many more then their student body or some alumni. Competing with PC 15 minutes down the road

This post is spot on, they’re a small D1; nothing to be ashamed of, but they’re not gonna pull 5k+ when the campus is 3k and there’s probably only 1000 people in Smithfield who care that aren’t PC or fans of another school

It’s not like Storrs is that far from Smithfield…

Incentive for Grasso? Also it’s about time. It’s a high school gym.

Wonder if it will be spread out enough to stop student section fights

Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑2 years ago Incentive for Grasso? Also it’s about time. It’s a high school gym.

His incentive was watching burn down everything Hurley (his friend) built 40 mins South and waiting to receive the call from Rhody’s admin. Phil Martelli Jr will be the next HC of Bryant if they listen to Grasso.

KingstonLane wrote: ↑2 years ago Anyone know how 3,400 compares to other arenas in the American East (if that’s where they’re going)?

Bigger than Rose Hill at Fordham

Unless another Peter Kiss is walking through their doors, I would keep it at 3400. Success can be fleeting.

Grasso will never be hotter than he is right now. Can’t imagine him being at Bryant next year. If he is then he may be there a while.

Looks like the new arena would be right at or around the biggest in the NEC but in the lower half in the American East. Only UVM UNH and Lowell would have a smaller capacity

As has been rumored, Bryant is now officially leaving the NEC to join the America East Conference for all sports but football. Football joining the Big South.

Is the America East actually any better though?

Seems like a lateral move there.

I mean Vermont is really good and sometimes Albany is good, but that's it.

PeterRamTime wrote: ↑2 years ago Is the America East actually any better though?

Seems like a lateral move there.

I mean Vermont is really good and sometimes Albany is good, but that's it.

I agree....they won't dominate the AE with Vermont in it.

Football in the Big South?

Talk about travel expenses......

rambone 78 wrote: ↑2 years ago

PeterRamTime wrote: ↑2 years ago Is the America East actually any better though?

Seems like a lateral move there.

I mean Vermont is really good and sometimes Albany is good, but that's it.

I agree....they won't dominate the AE with Vermont in it.

Football in the Big South?

Talk about travel expenses......

I think the move involved factors other than just men's basketball. The AE is stronger in most all sports including soccer and lacrosse which are important to Bryant The AE is also a more stable league with far bigger and more prestigious schools.

Even as a Smithfield native I have to say that all my thoughts about Bryant come down to, essentially, “whatever.” It’s like the RI version of Quinnipiac - basically for parents who can afford to send their kids to a good private school but their kids are too dumb to get into one. As far as the third banana, I’ll always root for Brown.

TruePoint wrote: ↑2 years ago Even as a Smithfield native I have to say that all my thoughts about Bryant come down to, essentially, “whatever.” It’s like the RI version of Quinnipiac - basically for parents who can afford to send their kids to a good private school but their kids are too dumb to get into one. As far as the third banana, I’ll always root for Brown.

You do have to give them some due for being bold in upgrading their sports to D1 and investing the necessary funds to compete. With a new arena coming down the road, they will have pretty nice facilities for every sport.

TruePoint wrote: ↑2 years ago Even as a Smithfield native I have to say that all my thoughts about Bryant come down to, essentially, “whatever.” It’s like the RI version of Quinnipiac - basically for parents who can afford to send their kids to a good private school but their kids are too dumb to get into one. As far as the third banana, I’ll always root for Brown.

Hey TP, I’m in Smithfield too. I am very familiar with Bryant. Don’t sell it short. My youngest daughter graduated from there in global supply chain management and was hired by Hasbro as a Junior. She’s doing very, very well thankfully.

As an aside, she almost chose UConn. Yikes! I remember going on the visit and breaking out in hives. Lol!

Big Rhody Guy wrote: ↑2 years ago Looks like the new arena would be right at or around the biggest in the NEC but in the lower half in the American East. Only UVM UNH and Lowell would have a smaller capacity

Some context for the move. Even with a new arena Bryant will be on the lower end of gym capacity in AE

Bump up in RPI

Brian Forster wrote: ↑2 years ago Bump up in RPI

Ooh! That will get Ramster excited!

Did not realize how dominate they have been in other sports in that conference, "They’ve won six regular-season men’s lacrosse titles, nine straight regular-season baseball crowns, five consecutive women’s swimming and diving championships and swept six straight men’s team tennis titles from 2014-19." from the projo this morning. Moving "up" makes sense in that context.

Their lacrosse has been top notch since the former Duke coach went there after the scandal (which shouldn't be called a scandal, should be called The Lie).

ATPTourFan wrote: ↑2 years ago

Brian Forster wrote: ↑2 years ago Bump up in RPI

Ooh! That will get Ramster excited!

Sorry ATP, not even RPI will get me excited about anything Bryant related.

Project updates like this belong in All Other College Sports - not in URI KB NCAA or Bust.

But since the Bryant topic is unfortunately here, we are 5-0 vs Bryant winning by 33, 36, 47, 34 and 19 = average of 33.8 ppg.

ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago

ATPTourFan wrote: ↑2 years ago

Brian Forster wrote: ↑2 years ago Bump up in RPI

Ooh! That will get Ramster excited!

Sorry ATP, not even RPI will get me excited about anything Bryant related.

Project updates like this belong in All Other College Sports - not in URI KB NCAA or Bust.

But since the Bryant topic is unfortunately here, we are 5-0 vs Bryant winning by 33, 36, 47, 34 and 19 = average of 33.8 ppg.



8CDBCB82-B90D-4DC5-BBBB-12FDE85D1B88.jpeg

Yeah, but to be fair Kiss didn't play in this year's game

Da_Process_Survivor wrote: ↑2 years ago

ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago

ATPTourFan wrote: ↑2 years ago

Ooh! That will get Ramster excited!

Sorry ATP, not even RPI will get me excited about anything Bryant related.

Project updates like this belong in All Other College Sports - not in URI KB NCAA or Bust.

But since the Bryant topic is unfortunately here, we are 5-0 vs Bryant winning by 33, 36, 47, 34 and 19 = average of 33.8 ppg.



8CDBCB82-B90D-4DC5-BBBB-12FDE85D1B88.jpeg

Yeah, but to be fair Kiss didn't play in this year's game

This year’s game was only because of the Daytona Tournament.

Time to up the OOC Game Quality.

Bryant had a 200 NET ranking and like you said wasn't scheduled independently. Cox bought a game against #201 Boston University. He also bought a game against #325 Sacred Heart. For some reason he stuck us with a home and home with #333 Milwaukee.

These tournaments are always going to have a game or two against a bad team, it's the trade off to get the game you probably wouldn't be able to schedule normally. Buy games are also against traditionally bad teams, however they don't necessarily need to be against #325 in the country bad. The home and home series against Milwaukee is so terrible that we should hire Cox for a position just so we can turn around and fire him immediately for that one thing alone. Every part of that was a debacle

Bryant is up and coming program.
But no waaay would change places with them.

Brian Forster wrote: ↑2 years ago Bryant is up and coming program.
But no waaay would change places with them.

And Bryant discussion should be moved out of NCAA or BUST

Bryant keeps getting better and better in academia and athletics while URI is satisfied with being a good state university with average athletics. I can see why people are excited about Bryant. Let's hope that money being thrown at URI M&W basketball is the beginning of a commitment to be excellent and not just to return to mediocrity.

Considering its location, I'm surprised that Bryant doesn't invest in becoming a big-time hockey program - something that URI has missed the boat on,

In terms of aspirations, I want URI to be like Bryant.

Dear lord

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago Bryant keeps getting better and better in academia and athletics while URI is satisfied with being a good state university with average athletics. I can see why people are excited about Bryant. Let's hope that money being thrown at URI M&W basketball is the beginning of a commitment to be excellent and not just to return to mediocrity.

Considering its location, I'm surprised that Bryant doesn't invest in becoming a big-time hockey program - something that URI has missed the boat on,

In terms of aspirations, I want URI to be like Bryant.

I agree we should move to the AEC and build a 3000 seat arena IMMEDIATELY.

The last time Rhody moved to NEC-supporters screamed.
Yes-Bryant has come a long way.
I see the recent additions to A10 and CAA as constant upgrade as far as leagues go.
n addition to the increase in Coaches pay increases.
Still staring at a considerable bill facilities wise.

bigappleram wrote: ↑2 years agoDear lord

He's truly one of the best. Forget Max Kellerman, he's got Skip Bayless takes. GOAT status in trolling.

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago Bryant keeps getting better and better in academia and athletics while URI is satisfied with being a good state university with average athletics. I can see why people are excited about Bryant. Let's hope that money being thrown at URI M&W basketball is the beginning of a commitment to be excellent and not just to return to mediocrity.

Considering its location, I'm surprised that Bryant doesn't invest in becoming a big-time hockey program - something that URI has missed the boat on,

In terms of aspirations, I want URI to be like Bryant.

Congrats to Bryant for upping their game which has nothing to do with URI.

Congrats to URI for acting Big instead of only thinking big. Both have great aspirations.

R72 you truly are the best and I mean that sarcastically.

The only thing you are right about is hockey but I understand why uri hasn’t gone d1 to this point and hope that 1 day they will.

steviep123 wrote: ↑2 years ago

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago Bryant keeps getting better and better in academia and athletics while URI is satisfied with being a good state university with average athletics. I can see why people are excited about Bryant. Let's hope that money being thrown at URI M&W basketball is the beginning of a commitment to be excellent and not just to return to mediocrity.

Considering its location, I'm surprised that Bryant doesn't invest in becoming a big-time hockey program - something that URI has missed the boat on,

In terms of aspirations, I want URI to be like Bryant.

Congrats to Bryant for upping their game which has nothing to do with URI.

Congrats to URI for acting Big instead of only thinking big. Both have great aspirations.

R72 you truly are the best and I mean that sarcastically.

The only thing you are right about is hockey but I understand why uri hasn’t gone d1 to this point and hope that 1 day they will.

You are correct - it has nothing to do with URI

This thread should not be in URI NCAA or BUST >>>>>> All Other College Sports

Da_Process_Survivor wrote: ↑2 years ago

ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago

ATPTourFan wrote: ↑2 years ago

Ooh! That will get Ramster excited!

Sorry ATP, not even RPI will get me excited about anything Bryant related.

Project updates like this belong in All Other College Sports - not in URI KB NCAA or Bust.

But since the Bryant topic is unfortunately here, we are 5-0 vs Bryant winning by 33, 36, 47, 34 and 19 = average of 33.8 ppg.



8CDBCB82-B90D-4DC5-BBBB-12FDE85D1B88.jpeg

Yeah, but to be fair Kiss didn't play in this year's game

No Kiss didn't play, he was suspended. And to be fair I wouldn't read much into URI winning by only 19 because it was our worst team since the Baron Error. 11th place A10, 5-12 Conference, 15-16 overall with least competitive OOC since the Baron Error.

While this thread concerns Bryant, there is a deeper message here that relates to URI and that deserves airing out among this forum's posters. I will give a stab at that in another post in this thread.

steviep123 wrote: ↑2 years ago

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago Bryant keeps getting better and better in academia and athletics while URI is satisfied with being a good state university with average athletics. I can see why people are excited about Bryant. Let's hope that money being thrown at URI M&W basketball is the beginning of a commitment to be excellent and not just to return to mediocrity.

Considering its location, I'm surprised that Bryant doesn't invest in becoming a big-time hockey program - something that URI has missed the boat on,

In terms of aspirations, I want URI to be like Bryant.

Congrats to Bryant for upping their game which has nothing to do with URI.

Congrats to URI for acting Big instead of only thinking big. Both have great aspirations.

R72 you truly are the best and I mean that sarcastically.

The only thing you are right about is hockey but I understand why uri hasn’t gone d1 to this point and hope that 1 day they will.

x2

URI should 100% have D1 hockey

KeaneyBluBallz wrote: ↑2 years ago

steviep123 wrote: ↑2 years ago

Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago Bryant keeps getting better and better in academia and athletics while URI is satisfied with being a good state university with average athletics. I can see why people are excited about Bryant. Let's hope that money being thrown at URI M&W basketball is the beginning of a commitment to be excellent and not just to return to mediocrity.

Considering its location, I'm surprised that Bryant doesn't invest in becoming a big-time hockey program - something that URI has missed the boat on,

In terms of aspirations, I want URI to be like Bryant.

Congrats to Bryant for upping their game which has nothing to do with URI.

Congrats to URI for acting Big instead of only thinking big. Both have great aspirations.

R72 you truly are the best and I mean that sarcastically.

The only thing you are right about is hockey but I understand why uri hasn’t gone d1 to this point and hope that 1 day they will.

x2

URI should 100% have D1 hockey

Than one of our donors should come up with the $3-5M per year to run that program. And they would do it in a heartbeat.

Then you'd need to find more money to stand up the women's program or bring back gymnastics or something for the Title IX implications.

I played hockey, I love hockey. But basketball drives the bus. If basketball gets really good and stays good - maybe there will be money around to get hockey going. But not today.

Hockey was discussed on regarding Hockey East in the past in URI Athletics
I bumped the thread as there was some good info in it.

http://keaneyblue.com/viewtopic.php?t=7720

Blue Man wrote: ↑2 years ago

KeaneyBluBallz wrote: ↑2 years ago

steviep123 wrote: ↑2 years ago

Congrats to Bryant for upping their game which has nothing to do with URI.

Congrats to URI for acting Big instead of only thinking big. Both have great aspirations.

R72 you truly are the best and I mean that sarcastically.

The only thing you are right about is hockey but I understand why uri hasn’t gone d1 to this point and hope that 1 day they will.

x2

URI should 100% have D1 hockey

Than one of our donors should come up with the $3-5M per year to run that program. And they would do it in a heartbeat.

Then you'd need to find more money to stand up the women's program or bring back gymnastics or something for the Title IX implications.

I played hockey, I love hockey. But basketball drives the bus. If basketball gets really good and stays good - maybe there will be money around to get hockey going. But not today.

Unfortunately hockey is held to a higher standard than anything else. Supporters had to fund two separate arenas (with one chunk of arena money being used for Mackal Field House instead of the arena he donated for), have conferences begging us to join and still can't get the sports added. Imagine if Mackal's money wasn't stolen for field house use, then Boss' money could have been used to fund teams

RhowdyRam02 wrote: ↑2 years ago

Blue Man wrote: ↑2 years ago

KeaneyBluBallz wrote: ↑2 years ago

x2

URI should 100% have D1 hockey

Than one of our donors should come up with the $3-5M per year to run that program. And they would do it in a heartbeat.

Then you'd need to find more money to stand up the women's program or bring back gymnastics or something for the Title IX implications.

I played hockey, I love hockey. But basketball drives the bus. If basketball gets really good and stays good - maybe there will be money around to get hockey going. But not today.

Unfortunately hockey is held to a higher standard than anything else. Supporters had to fund two separate arenas (with one chunk of arena money being used for Mackal Field House instead of the arena he donated for), have conferences begging us to join and still can't get the sports added. Imagine if Mackal's money wasn't stolen for field house use, then Boss' money could have been used to fund teams

Don't worry, when I win powerball we'll take care of all of these problems.

Blue Man wrote: ↑2 years ago

RhowdyRam02 wrote: ↑2 years ago

Blue Man wrote: ↑2 years ago

Than one of our donors should come up with the $3-5M per year to run that program. And they would do it in a heartbeat.

Then you'd need to find more money to stand up the women's program or bring back gymnastics or something for the Title IX implications.

I played hockey, I love hockey. But basketball drives the bus. If basketball gets really good and stays good - maybe there will be money around to get hockey going. But not today.

Unfortunately hockey is held to a higher standard than anything else. Supporters had to fund two separate arenas (with one chunk of arena money being used for Mackal Field House instead of the arena he donated for), have conferences begging us to join and still can't get the sports added. Imagine if Mackal's money wasn't stolen for field house use, then Boss' money could have been used to fund teams

Don't worry, when I win powerball we'll take care of all of these problems.

I've been saying the same thing myself. Bonds? We don't need no stinking bonds!

For all the upgrades plus hockey it will only cost 50+ million!

Peanuts!

Ha ha for some maybe......URI needs their version of Warren Buffett to step up.....