Rhode Island Basketball: 3 takeaways from loss to Western Kentucky

3: A healthy Fatts Russell

Fatts Russell may have played 32 minutes against the Hilltoppers but, he did sit a couple of minutes with what appeared to be an injury.

Russell appeared to be limping at times when on the court and expressed pain in his leg when on the bench. This was not a good look for Rhody but, they managed to use their depth to keep the game close when needed.

Coach David Cox knows how important he is to this team and how much the Rams rely on him to be a leader on and off the court. Cox kept him going throughout the game.

Russell is going to need to maintain good health through the rest of this season. The Rams are deeper at the guard position with Jeremy Sheppard, Jalen Carey, and Ishmael Leggett. The Rams do, however, need to keep Fatts healthy.

Russell brings leadership and experience to the Rams’ locker room. He is also projected to have an outstanding year this season which makes him so much more essential to this team. Russell was awarded several preseason honors including the Naismith Trophy List.

If he can stay healthy for the Rams, expect Rhody to play well throughout conference play and potentially end up dancing in March.