Rhode Island Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Rams

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Ryan Preston #5 of the Rhode Island Rams celebrates after upsetting the #20 Seton Hall Pirates 75-74 during their game at Barclays Center on November 23, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Reserves

Tyrese Martin, Wing, Freshman

Martin looks like URI’s best reserve and he could even overtake Thompson for a starting spot. The 6’6” wing can shoot from the perimeter and can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. URI needs immediate production from Martin, even if he plays in a 15-20 mpg role.

Dana Tate, Wing, Freshman

Tate is a physical wing who will see playing time at both SF and PF. He is a prototypical small-ball four-man and that should be his long-term position for the Rams. Tate uses his strength to discard defenders and can also shoot from the perimeter. If he makes shots as a freshman, he will be a fixture in the URI rotation.

Omar Silverio, Guard, Freshman

After decommiting from Santa Clara, Silverio became the most recent member of this URI squad. The 6’4” shooting guard will provide scoring and long-range shooting off the bench and he could even see playing time in a three-guard lineup (with Russell and Dowtin). Like his fellow perimeter freshmen, Silverio should be in the rotation, but the extent of his playing time will be determined by his shot making and defense.

Ryan Preston, PF, Senior

Ryan Preston is the team’s lone senior but was used sparingly last season. Preston is an athletic PF who can also play some small-ball five but only saw 18 minutes total in A-10 play. The former JUCO transfer has a chance to earn a spot in the rotation but will need to be more productive offensively and limit his fouls when given the opportunity.

Mike Tertsea, Center, Sophomore

Tertsea only played 13 minutes and did not score a single point as a redshirt freshman. The 6’10’’ center could see an increased role since Mike Layssard left the program late in the offseason, but Harris and Langevine will likely see most of the minutes at center, leaving Tertsea without a clear path to playing time.

Aris Tsourgiannis, PF, Freshman

The Greek freshman was a very late addition to the roster and provides frontcourt depth. This is extremely important since frontcourt players Nikola Akele and Mike Layssard left the program late in the offseason. I would not expect him to play a substantial role this season given the players in front of him on the depth chart.

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