Atlantic 10 Basketball: Breaking down each program’s 2018 recruiting class

Rhode Island Rams

The Rams were unquestionably the best team in the A10 last season, despite their losing to Davidson in the final of the A10 tournament. Although they’ll undoubtedly take a step backwards (how could they not after losing Jared Terrell, E.C. Matthews, Stanford Robinson, Jarvis Garrett, and Andre Berry – 5 of their top 6 rotational pieces last season?) they will still be competitive in the A10. On one hand, they have a solid core returning in Jeff Dowtin, Fatts Russell, and Cyril Langevine, and on the other, they have the best recruiting class in the A10 coming in to join them.

The most highly-touted freshman on the Rams, and one of the most highly-touted freshmen in the conference, is Jermaine Harris, a 4-star center who ranks as the #82 player nationally. Not a traditional “back to the basket” center, Harris has the strength to bang in the post as well as the agility to score from the wing. His game may remind Rhody fans of former Ram big man Hassan Martin. Expect him to work alongside Langevine as a starter down low.

At small forward, a relatively thin position for the Rams, 3-star recruits Tyrese Martin (6’6″) and Dana Tate (6’7″) should compete for the starting job. Martin is a lengthy scorer who has the size, skill, and athleticism to eventually be one of the A10’s best players, while Tate is a strong and aggressive slasher with an college-ready body. Whichever one comes off the bench, both will see significant minutes at the 3 and (and likely the 4 in certain lineups) because of their ability to spark the offense and give the Rams momentum.

Rounding out the class is Omar Silverio, a 6’3″ guard who will likely pull relief duty for both Dowtin and Russell in the backcourt. Silverio is one of the most electric freshman in the conference offensively – a sniper from range with highlight-reel passing ability. Expect to see him become a staple of the rotation as well.