Atlantic 10 Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

5. Rhode Island Rams

2017-18 season record: 26-8 (15-3)

No team in the A-10 has lost more production than Rhode Island from this past season. Not only that, they lost the architect of the program’s recent success in Dan Hurley to UConn this offseason.

But he left with some parting gifts, including arguably the best recruiting class in program history. With assistant-turned head coach David Cox in charge, the Rams were able to keep guys like four-star big man Jermaine Harris along with three-star wing prospects Tyrese Martin and Dana Tate.

They will join a trio of returning players whose roles will massively increase for next season. Rising junior Jeff Dowtin led the A-10 in assists last season, while still scoring near double figures at the same time. 5’10 guard Fatts Russell will need to double his scoring output to replace the lost production but an improved three-point shot will go a long way in doing that.

Then there’s rising junior Cyril Langevine, who led Rhode Island in rebounding last season despite coming off the bench in 18 mpg. With Andre Berry gone, look for him to have a breakout campaign. He shot 64% from the field in limited action and could become one of the best big men in the A-10 next season.

Although the numbers don’t show it, Langevine, Dowtin, and Russell are already one of the best trios in the league and should show it next season. Rhode Island will take the expected slide in the conference but not by as many would think. This will still be a competitive Rams team that’ll give fits towards the top contenders.