Atlantic 10: Who Are Next Season’s Favorites?

2. Rhode Island Rams

Nov 27, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Rhode Island Rams head coach Dan Hurley talks with guard E.C. Matthews (0) against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at HP Field house at Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams are coming off a massive turnaround season, but look for further improvement in the year that will follow. Last season was only the beginning, and Rhode Island, who stood third by the end of 2014-15, are serious contenders for the top spot in the Atlantic 10.

Our eyes will be on E.C. Matthews and Hassan Martin to take charge in Kingston, who were two of Rhody’s biggest  scorers and rebounders in their second years. Matthews has been the focal point of the offense all along and despite being the subject of NBA draft talk, he announced that he would return to Rhode Island as a junior. The guard from Detroit leads his team in scoring and is its very best shooter, but last season’s 3.6 turnovers per game cost him, and it would be interesting to see how he handles being a star with an additional year of experience on his side. Matthews is going receive extra help from Towson impact transfer Four McGlynn, who will be immediately eligible, this time.

On the other hand, head coach Dan Hurley parted ways with senior big man Gilvydas Biruta in March and lost forward Jarelle Reischel (along with Biggie Minnis and Matthew Butler) within the next few weeks, leaving Martin relatively isolated up front. But he isn’t entirely alone. Three-star power forward Leroy Butts, who was approached by Cincinnati and Georgetown and initially committed to Rutgers, is expected to give URI the life it needs on that end. Butts will also mean more size for Hurley to work with, as Martin is one of three players that stands above 6’6″ that is expected to return to the Rams.

Dan Hurley is a coach that brought an 8-21 team to 14-18 and then 23-10 in the span of three years. There is no saying what this URI squad will get done by the end of the season right now, even under his leadership, but it most likely means that an NCAA Tournament is on the horizon.

Next: Davidson Wildcats