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Rhode Island Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22

By Adam Bernstein

Nov 28, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Rhode Island Rams forward Jermaine Harris (0) reacts after a play against the South Florida Bulls in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Rhode Island Rams forward Jermaine Harris (0) reacts after a play against the South Florida Bulls in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rhode Island Basketball Malik Martin Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Rhode Island Basketball Malik Martin Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Three-Guard/ Small Forward

Starter: Malik Martin

We can expect Malik Martin to be the starter based on his performance last season with the Rams. Last season, he started ten games while averaging 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Martin molded well into the rotation but, often split minutes with Towson transfer Allen Betrand. I do believe Martin will be getting more starting opportunities than Betrand this season.

Martin is now entering his fourth season at the collegiate level and his second at URI. He played for Charlotte prior to the University of Rhode Island. Malik is also the younger brother of URI great Hassan Martin.

The 6-foot-6 guard has a wide skill set. Martin has a great shot, is not afraid to drive to the basket, and has the athleticism to go for rebounds. I should also mention his defense. Martin was named to the Conference USA All-Defense team while at Charlotte and his sixteen blocks last season does not go unnoticed. It will be certainly interesting to see how Martin plays this season with a packed Ryan Center, I have high hopes for him to succeed.

Bench: Allen Betrand, Ileri Ayo-Faleye

We can expect Allen Betrand to be highly involved in the rotation and to make some starts. Last season, Betrand made nine starts in 18 appearances. He averaged 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Betrand enters his second season with the program after spending his first two years of collegiate play at Towson University. In 2019-2020, he was named to the All-CAA team. I believe Betrand will meet expectations and be a great role player off the bench for Coach Cox and his staff.

Ileri Ayo-Faleye took a redshirt year with the Rams. We can expect him to see some minutes and be an active part of the roster this season. The 6-foot-7 forward led his high school team to a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section One title. I’m excited to watch Ayo-Faleye take on a bigger role for the Rams this season.

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