Rhode Island Basketball: 2022-23 season preview for the Rams

There is no doubt that the Rhode Island Basketball is talented this season, however, this program is going to need time to develop and grow together as they are one of the younger teams in the conference.

Although it will be an adjustment process for the newcomers and returners, Coach Archie Miller and his staff are looking to avoid the dark clouds that have been looming over Kingston the last few seasons.

Rhode Island was picked to finish ninth in this season’s Atlantic 10 preseason poll, which was released during Media Day at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The Rams took advantage of the NCAA transfer portal and looked at several prospects who shined at the high school level to build their roster this season. Rhode Island assistants Kenny Johnson, Duane Woodward, and Austin Carroll are responsible for bringing eight new players to Kingston.

The Rams assessed all of their needs this offseason, but one player I believe will make his presence known in the Rams’ backcourt will be George Washington transfer, Brayon Freeman. Last season the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 assists, shot 43.3 percent, and was a member of the Atlantic 10 All-Freshman team.

While Rhode Island has been successful in bringing in talent to build for the future, they have also retained six players from last season’s team. We can expect senior guard Malik Martin to make an immediate impact on both ends of the ball. Last season he averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and shot 50.9 percent.

Rhode Island’s depth shows how guard-heavy they will be this season with their additions and returners. The Rams were also able to retain sophomore Sebastian Thomas, redshirt junior Jalen Carey, and sophomore Ishmael Leggett who will all see big minutes in the backcourt.

Coach Archie Miller and the Rhode Island Rams should have a lot of optimism heading into this season. Let’s take a look at their potential starting five.