Ryan Center, Kingston, RI
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
7:00PM
Media
TV: N/A
Online: N/A
Radio: Tune In Radio
App: Varsity Network
Previews
Well, well, well…if it isn’t college basketball season already. After losing nine of ten to close out the 2022-23 season, the Rams look to bounce back from the doldrums of the bottom of the A10. They will start this process by taking the floor in an exhibition game to get ready for the upcoming season against DII Assumption College. Coach Scott Faucher enters his 5th season (or is it 4th since they didn’t play during the COVID year?) at the helm of the Greyhounds after winning the WACBA Coach of the Year in his one-year coaching Nichols to a CCC Championship. The Greyhounds lost their leading scorer in Isiah Gaiter, who transferred to South Alabama. He was also the leading facilitator as he had nearly twice as many assists as the next closest player on the team last season. They do return the other two double-digit scorers from last season with senior Njavan Stewart & graduate student Kani Glover. Assumption’s top big man & Australian native, Cooper Creek, led the team in rebounds with 5.5 while averaging 9.7 points per contest.
As for Rhody, there has been a lot of roster turnover. As most of us know, the biggest loss was Ish Leggett, who transferred to Pittsburgh. Thankfully coach Archie Miller was able to replace most, if not all of his production with High Point transfer Jaden House. Throw in Bradley transfer Zek Montgomery, Quinnipiac transfer Luis Kortrught, a few other transfers & an incoming freshmen class, I think we have a better lineup compared to last year. Will it result in more wins, God I hope so. One roster question mark (I believe?) is Louisiana Tech transfer David Green, who is still waiting for a waiver.
One thing to consider with this many new players, how will this team gel? Are clear roles defined? There are some question marks with this team as these transfer players came from lower divisions. Will they struggle a bit to start off going up a level? I am under the Assumption that this game will be a good way to test things out. (See what I did there.) Let’s hope this game gets rid of the rust & sloppiness. Play as a cohesive unit & don’t get any injuries. All I am looking for before the tip off the season on Monday the 6th against Central Connecticut. My prediction URI 81 – Assumption 64. Thank you & Go Rhody!!
Opponent
Record:
0-0, 0-0 in the NE10
14-14, 10-10 in the NE10 (Last Season)
Rankings (URI):
NCAA NET: N/A (263)*
RPI: N/A (281)
KenPom: N/A (193)
BPI: N/A (248)*
Sagarin: N/A (229)*
Barttovik: N/A (183)*
*Denotes Last Season Rankings
Leaders:
Points – Njavan Stewart 13.8 (Sr., G)*
Rebounds – Cooper Creek 5.5 (Sr., F)*
Assists – Kani Glover 2.0 (GS., G) (2.9 TO per game)*
*Denotes Last Season Rankings
Historical
Series: 3-1 (including an exhibition game)
H: 3-0, A: 0-0, N: 0-1
Most Recent Matchup: 11/11/05 71-55 W at URI
Most Recent Win Streak: 2 - URI