Atlantic 10 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

10. Rhode Island Rams

2023-24 season record: 12-20 (6-12)

The Rams started out league play with a 3-0 record but four straight losses ended that early hope. Losing 8 of 9 games to end the season may have put Coach Archie Miller on the hot seat for next season if things don’t improve. And like every other team, they lost two key starters to the portal in Luis Kortright and Zek Montgomery.

The good news for Rhode Island is that they returned its top two scorers from last season in Jaden House and David Green, who each averaged over 14 ppg. Green (14.3 ppg) was limited to just 19 games due to injuries but was one of the most explosive players in the Atlantic 10 at times, including 29 points versus George Mason. Freshman guard Cam Estevez (7.1 ppg) is a potential breakout player to watch next season.

As usual, it’ll come down to the supporting cast filled with transfers. Sebastian Thomas averaged around 4.0 ppg in two years at Rhode Island between going to Albany last season, where he broke out to produce 19.6 ppg and 4.9 apg in the America East level. He could’ve improved to the point where he can be a key piece on an A-10 roster but that’s going to be a question until then.

Other newcomers to watch include Quentin Diboundje (6.8 ppg at ETSU), Jamarques Lawrence (6.9 ppg and 2.5 apg at Nebraska), and Western Michigan center Javonte Brown. There’s little frontcourt depth so if Brown and David Fuchs aren’t big contributors, the Rams’ defensive issues very well could remain.