Rhode Island Basketball: Impact of Fatts Russell’s injuries for Rams
Prior to the season, senior guard Fatts Russell was named to the Naismith Trophy, and Bob Cousy Award watch list among several other preseason awards. Throughout his collegiate career, he has been one of the most electric players to watch in the nation.
Standing at just 5’10, Fatts can do almost everything from driving in the paint to shooting beyond the arch to picking pockets and forcing turnovers. Following last season, Russell declared for the 2020 NBA Draft but made a big announcement via social media to return back to Rhode Island for one more season.
This season has not gone as planned for Fatts Russell or David Cox’s Rams. The Rhode Island Rams are 6-6 in conference play and 9-10 overall. Many of the team losses have come from inconsistency and injuries to key players such as Makhi Mitchell (knee) and Fatts Russell.
Russell has dealt with several injuries in his hamstring, right heel, and core which has limited his minutes and games this season. Coach Cox has utilized guards Jeremy Sheppard and freshman Ishmael Leggett over the last couple of weeks in place of Russell.
Fatts Russell had only missed one game in his career entering this season, and now he’s missed two of his last four games.
On Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, the true freshman Ishmael Leggett made his second career start in place of Fatts Russell. Leggett had 17 points, 4 rebounds, and shot 54.5 percent from the field in a one-point loss to VCU at home.
These opportunities to start in big games have boosted Leggett’s confidence and have shown not only Coach Cox but all Rhody fans his true potential. The future is definitely bright for Leggett and this program which continues to get younger and younger in years to come.
What will happen with Fatts? Russell was a key player that stuck with the University of Rhode Island during the program’s transition from Coach Dan Hurley to Coach Cox. He’s been a fan-favorite to watch at Rhode Island and in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
The Rams currently have two seniors expected to graduate following this season in Jeremy Sheppard and Russell. With the NCAA giving all seniors one more year of eligibility due to COVID-19, will Russell and Sheppard return as fifth-year players?
Russell’s injuries may have dropped his draft stock and playing a full season in an empty Ryan Center without the fans may be reasons to consider returning for the fifth year. Rhody fans bring the energy and the ruckus which these players feed off of. A lot of these close-game losses at home could be altered with fans in the stands this season.
With one more full healthy season in Keaney Blue and hopefully a packed Ryan Center next season, there would be no better way to go out and finish strong on an unforgettable collegiate career.
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Although this may not entirely be the season Rhody fans had hoped for, we can just be grateful to see live sports once again.