Rhode Island Basketball: 8-man rotation pivotal in Rams quality 2019-20 season

’19-20 Rhode Island Rams campaign has had its fair share of pitfalls

The Rams have had a lot thrown at them throughout the David Cox campaign which left the roster seemingly in a constant state of uncertainty.

Christion Thompson graduated as a Redshirt JR and transferred to Tulane for his final season. Omar Silverio transferred out after his freshman season. Michael Tertsea transferred to D2 Gannon University. Marial Mading surprisingly transferred in May, went the JUCO route, and is now seeing offers from multiple power schools including Kansas, Florida, and Oregon.

But the hits kept coming; with JUCO product Jeremy Sheppard not cleared, Freshman Gregory Hammond transferred out followed by the shock transferring of Sophomore Dana Tate.

And just like that, the Rhode Island Rams were down to eight players on scholarship once Georgetown transfer, Antwan Walker, was cleared.

In a conference caught somewhere between Power 6 and Mid-Major, the Atlantic 10 is a dog-eat-dog league, and for the Rams to come to the table short-handed every night, the margin for error became almost non-existent.

Rams fans would have a reason for concern, but the curse they seemed to cast upon them might have turned into more of saving grace.

Currently ranked 319th in the country in bench minutes, and dead last in the Atlantic 10 in that category, it seems Rhode Island has found a way to leverage their misfortunes and turn them into an asset.

While on press row during their March-altering home stand against VCU, I noted how Rhody had benefited from their short 8-man rotation and have galvanized as a unit and seem to find ways to get the job done.