Robert Morris Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Colonials
Key storylines for Robert Morris Basketball in 2021-22
1. “Real” introduction to the Horizon League
If there was one thing that benefitted the Colonials last season during the pandemic is that their miserable campaign in the new conference went all but unnoticed. There weren’t fans available and the unbalanced schedule and constant pauses and disruptions did the team no favors. This time around, with a better roster at work as well, Robert Morris is much better suited to compete in the Horizon League compared to a year ago.
And that’s important for recruiting too. The Colonials and head coach Andy Toole have gained a positive reputation during their days on top of the Northeast Conference. Back-to-back years at the very bottom of the Horizon will make it much more difficult to land transfers and convince them that they can win at a high level. Even if a top-3 spot is likely out of the picture, it still does matter where Robert Morris finishes in the standings.
2. Massive upgrade in size
The Horizon League may be best known for its talented guards but there’s plenty of size in the league as well. Robert Morris found that out the hard way last season. And as Matt Cox of 3Man Weave pointed out in their Horizon League preview, the Colonials were one of the smallest teams in the country in terms of pure height, both on the wing and in the frontcourt.
That’s why four forwards and two wings were added this offseason to alleviate that, while also keeping Spear on the roster as well. It’ll have an impact on defense and on the boards and Robert Morris should look much more like its normal selves as a program.
3. Finding that “star” player
Robert Morris is projected to finish anywhere between 7-10 in most Horizon League previews. It’s not that this current roster doesn’t have talent or depth but rather that there lacks that clear-cut “star”. The teams projected to finish in the top-5 have a five-star freshman, 25 ppg scorer, Defensive Player of the Year, or returning 17+ ppg proven scoring stars in the league.
Green is the top scoring newcomer but like Robert Morris, he may have an adjustment period going from the Northeast to the Horizon League. If anyone on the roster is going to end up on an All-Team list in the postseason, it’ll be Rasheem Dunn. But if his shooting doesn’t take a leap, it’s hard to see him having the stats to warrant consideration. Depth will have to be the way to go for this team this season but to become a real contender, at least one individual will have to step up in a major way.