Rhode Island Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Rams

It’s that time of year again; college basketball has returned, and Rhode Island Basketball is ready to take on the Atlantic 10 Conference in year two of the Archie Miller era.

Last season was an adjustment period for the first-year head coach and his staff as the team finished 9-22 and 5-13 in conference play, which put the Rams second to last in the A10 standings ahead of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers.

In 2022, URI was led by guard Ishmael Leggett, who averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot 39.3 percent, guard Brayon Freeman, who averaged 14.3 points and shot 36.8 percent, and guard Malik Martin, who led the team in rebounds (6.4) and blocks (0.9) per game. Leggett transferred to Pittsburgh, and Freeman was dismissed from the team and later transferred to Coastal Carolina. Martin has since graduated and now serves as an assistant to former URI coach and defending National Champion Dan Hurley at the University of Connecticut.

Rhode Island was picked to finish 14th this season in the A10 Preseason Poll, and while the Rams’ identity has changed this offseason, their desire to win has not. The team taking the Ryan Center hardwood will look a lot different on Nov. 6 as the Rams had nine players leave the program and only managed to retain five, but Rhody could not be in better shape to win with Coach Miller and his staff at the helm.

While this change might be uncomfortable initially for Rhody fans, they should remain optimistic heading into this year with a brand-new roster filled with talent. With that being said, let’s take a look at URI’s potential starting five for the 2023-24 season.