Robert Morris Basketball: Projected starting lineup, depth chart for 2021-22 season

Last season was full of first for Robert Morris Basketball and the entire program overall. Not only did they have to deal with a full-blown pandemic and the consequences (such as team-disruptive pauses due to positive tests and contact tracing), but the Colonials were playing in the Horizon League after moving over from the Northeast Conference, where they have been since 1988.

The results showed the tough circumstances, with the team finishing 4-15 overall, including 3-12 in league play. But things are looking to be different with a brand new clean slate in 2021-22, with a completely revamped roster including eight newcomers. They’ll have to make do without star forward AJ Bramah, who led the Colonials with 21.0 ppg and 10.3 rpg in 12 games last season.

It’s going to be a completely new nucleus for Robert Morris this year. Who will be the players to watch? Here’s a look at the Colonials roster and how the overall depth chart will play out.

Point Guard

Starter: Michael Green (26 mpg)

The transfer from Bryant had a breakout sophomore campaign last season, averaging 16.0 ppg and 3.7 apg in 34 mpg. He was a double-digit scorer in 19 of 21 games, including a career-high 33 points on 12/16 shooting against UMass. Green also proved to be a high-volume passer as well, producing a career-high 10 assists along with 20 points versus Wagner.

Playing alongside Peter Kiss in the backcourt last season, the 5’11 guard was fairly high volume in terms of usage rate, which had a downside impact on his efficiency numbers. However, Green provides needed scoring and shot-creation for the Colonials in the backcourt and should be the likely starter at point, particularly since his size fits there more than the two-spot.

Backup: Rasheem Dunn (14 mpg)

The St. John’s transfer was second on the team last season with 4.0 apg and went from playing more off the ball at Saint Francis (NY) to having the ball in his hands in the Big East. Dunn also had a 10-assist game last season against Providence and will be more than comfortable handling the point for Robert Morris.

I’m using “traditional” positions for this piece but as many rosters are doing nowadays, look for this team to run a “two-point guard” offense for a fair amount of the time since both Green and Dunn have experience playing on and off the ball. Dunn’s size at 6’2 and over 190 pounds makes him a much better option guarding opposing shooting guards than Green.