Small Forward
Starter: Jarron Williams (16 mpg)
One thing that Robert Morris hasn’t had much of is size throughout the lineup. And even if they don’t much much frontcourt size, the additions of guys such as Williams allow them to be a much better defensive unit. That was their weakness last season, as the Colonials ranked in the bottom-three in most defensive categories. A 6’6 guard/wing like Williams helps, along with other newcomers such as Flavors and Wilson.
Bench: Ferron Flavors (14 mpg), Justin Winston (10 mpg)
Flavors was viewed as a top-tier impact transfer at Oklahoma State but ended up playing just 11.6 mpg and scoring 3.4 ppg. In his defense, No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Cade Cunningham had the ball in his hands a ton, while Avery Anderson and Isaac Likelele played major roles in the offense as well. So they didn’t need a catch-and-shoot option like Flavors on the court.
Going back to the mid-major level will be good for the sharpshooter, who averaged 13.0 ppg at both Fairfield and Cal Baptist while shooting around 40% from deep on around seven attempts a game. The perimeter is deep on paper for Robert Morris but Flavors would also be a good backcourt mate with Dunn on the court thanks to his shooting.
Another impact transfer for the Colonials this offseason is Winston, a 6’8 combo forward from St. Bonaventure who transferred midway through last season after two games. In the year prior, Winston started 28 games, averaging 8.7 ppg and 3.4 rpg. He’s comfortable on the perimeter and can spread the floor as well, shooting 33% from deep with the Bonnies.
*Tristian Jeffries is the lone true freshman on the roster and at 6’6 and 190 pounds is a versatile option for Robert Morris. He’ll have to really make an impact in the preseason to get an early look, or some of the transfers will have to struggle themselves. But look for Jeffries to be a key piece in the future.