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Rhode Island Basketball: Breaking down Rams 2020 class of newcomers

By Adam Bernstein

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Tyrese Martin #4 of the Rhode Island Rams celebrates with teammates during the game against the George Washington Colonials at Charles E. Smith Athletic Center on February 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Tyrese Martin #4 of the Rhode Island Rams celebrates with teammates during the game against the George Washington Colonials at Charles E. Smith Athletic Center on February 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Rhode Island Basketball
DAYTON, OH – FEBRUARY 11: Fatts Russell #1 of the Rhode Island Rams (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Rhode Island Basketball has had a roller coaster of an offseason with the additions and subtractions this program has faced. But, the seven incoming players consisting of five transfers and two recruits show a lot of promise for this team.

Rhode Island Basketball is going into their third season with Coach David Cox running the show in Kingston. The Rams will give Cox quite a challenge this upcoming year with what seems like a brand new roster.

The Rams have had seven players depart from Rhode Island this offseason. They will lose Jordan Green, Eric Dadika, Jeff Dowtin, and Cyril Langevine all to graduation.  The two key losses to take away are Dowtin and Langevine.

Jeff Dowtin created opportunities for himself and his teammates to take valuable shots on the court. Dowtin’s presence on and off the court will certainly be missed by Rhody Nation. The 2019-2020 All-Atlantic-10 team player averaged 11 points in his career shooting nearly 45% from the field. The Upper Marlboro, Maryland Guard electrified the Ryan Center with his signature mid-range shot. Dowtin has been a necessity to replace for the Rhody Rams.

Cyril Langevine brought the full package to Kingston, especially in his senior season. The 6-foot-8 Forward brought stellar defense inside the paint these last four years. Langevine had a significant season last year averaging 10 points and 10 total rebounds. The East Orange, New Jersey product was awarded, 2018-19 All-Atlantic-10 team, 2019 All-Atlantic-10 Tournament team, and Atlantic-10 All-Defensive team.

https://twitter.com/coachdc202/status/1261704252826832896

The Rams have also lost three players to the transfer portal: Mekhi Long, Tyrese Martin, and Jacob Toppin. After just his freshman year Mekhi Long will transfer out of Rhode Island to Old Dominion. There is no clear reason as to why Long chose to transfer out of Rhody after just one year, however, he could be seeking more minutes from a smaller program. Long averaged 13 minutes in 30 games and had the potential of growing into a key player off the bench. Tyrese Martin will transfer to UConn after two seasons playing for the Rams under Coach Cox.

Martin will play for former Rhode Island head coach, Dan Hurley. The Huskies will get a valuable piece who averaged 12.8 points for Rhode Island and has great ball movement. Jacob Toppin, brother of National Player of The Year Obi, will be transferring to Kentucky. The Wildcats and Coach John Calipari will be getting a young finisher with a lot of promise and footsteps to follow in.

After finishing third in Atlantic-10 standings and putting up a 21-9 record last season, Rhode Island is looking for more. Hopefully, the young talent that is being brought into this program can change things around for Cox and the Rams of Rhode Island. Let’s take a look at each of the seven incoming players and what they will bring to the table this season.

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