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

Power Forward/ Center

I think Rhody fans should be excited about the big man depth that the Rams provide. I’m looking forward to seeing a healthy season from both the Mitchell twins. Last season, we saw Makhel take on a huge role when his brother suffered a season-ending injury against Western Kentucky.

Antwan Walker has statistically improved every season and has certainly established himself as one of the true leaders on this team. Abdou Samb enters the program this season as a freshman. The 6-foot-8 forward will be asked to make big plays inside the paint and on the defensive side of the ball. I think his success will certainly turn some heads with how he uses his size to his advantage.

I believe that the power forward and center position are some of the strongest this program has seen in recent years. It will be very interesting to see how they perform through the season.

Starters: Antwan Walker, Makhi Mitchell

Antwan Walker enters his third season with the program. Prior to Rhode Island, he played for Georgetown before choosing to transfer. In 2019-20, Walked appeared in 21 games after becoming eligible in the middle of the season. Last season, the 6-foot-7 forward was the only Ram to start all 25 games. Walker averaged 9.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He also had the highest shooting percentage (.586) in the Atlantic 10 Conference last season. We can expect Walker to continue to succeed and do big things for the Rams this season.

In 2020-21, Makhi Mitchell suffered a season-ending knee injury which allowed for his brother Makhel to take on a bigger role. Prior to his injury, Makhi made two starts in seven appearances. He was averaging 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game but, was having some great performances on the court.

Mitchell had a big game against Seton Hall recording his first career double-double. He would end up posting 11 points and 11 rebounds. He also recorded six points and six rebounds against Boston College. We can expect Makhi to be used quite often by Coach Cox and his staff to make up for missed time over last season.

Bench: Makhel Mitchell, Abdou Samb

Although I believe Makhi will get more starting opportunities, I believe Makhel will continue to take on a big role and be an impact player for Rhody this season. Last season, he stepped up when needed. Makhel started 23 of the 25 games he played in and averaged 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He also led the team in blocked shots with 42. I would not be surprised if Coach Cox decides to give him more minutes at the beginning of the season to give Makhi more recovery time.

Abdou Samb enters the program this season and will definitely benefit from learning from a talented Rams frontcourt ahead of him. He brings size, athleticism, and the ability to finish from inside the paint. Samb will be a great piece for Coach Cox and his staff to develop for the future of the program.