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

By Brad Cavallaro

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 24: Dowtin
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 24: Dowtin /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 09: Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams shoots in front of Jonathan Williams #10 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the second half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 09: Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams shoots in front of Jonathan Williams #10 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the second half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Non-Conference Schedule Breakdown

November 13, at College of Charleston

College of Charleston loses their star PG, Joe Chealey, but returns two big time scorers in Jarrell Brantley and Grant Riller who averaged 17.3 and 18.6 ppg respectively. The Cougars should compete with Northeastern for the top spot in the CAA and could be repeat winners of the automatic bid. This is a road game so it will almost definitely be a Quadrant Two game and could even approach the Top 75 threshold for Quadrant One.

November 16, Harvard

Harvard has one of the most talented rosters in Ivy League history, on paper, and look like the early favorites in the conference. Shooter Seth Towns, PG Bryce Aiken, and big man Chris Lewis lead the way for the Crimson and all three averaged in double figures. Even though Harvard is a quality opponent, a win would not have major tournament resume implications.

December 1, at Providence

URI knocked off Providence last season but will have to play the Friars on the road this season in their annual series. Both teams look extremely different from their last matchup, but Providence’s second best player from a year ago, Alpha Diallo, has returned for his junior season. The Friars also get Emmitt Holt back from injury and he averaged double figures in 16-17. PG play is the main concern for Providence. This will be a Quadrant One game for the Rams and a major resume-building opportunity.

December 16, West Virginia (neutral)

Perhaps the best team URI will play all season, West Virginia will play the Rams on a neutral court. The Mountaineers are led by shot-blocking savant Sagaba Konate who is one of the best players in the entire country. They also have a collection of long and versatile wings who can make life difficult for opposing guards and wings. If URI can overcome West Virginia’s defensive pressure and earn a win, they will be in great shape for the postseason.

December 22, Diamond Head Classic, Bucknell first round

This is a very weak field that only features one surefire NCAA Tournament team, TCU, who URI could and should face in the semi-finals. TCU will be a dangerous team if PG Jaylen Fisher is fully recovered from his knee injury. Colorado could also push for a spot in the Big Dance as their PG, McKinley Wright, is one of the best in the nation and is only a sophomore. In terms of URI’s opening round game versus Bucknell, the Bison lose their two best players in Zach Thomas and Nana Foulland so this game has more potential to be harmful than beneficial.

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