Get ready for an exciting basketball season with Rhode Island Rams, as Coach Archie Miller embarks on a new chapter with a largely revamped roster. The team's progression under Miller's guidance has been impressive, with win totals increasing each year. But here's where it gets interesting: this season, the Rams are almost entirely new, with a cast of contributors who bring unique experiences from their previous teams.
A New Beginning for the Rams
Miller is confident that the hard work and impressive work ethic of his new group will pay off. The roster includes guards like Myles Corey, Jonah Hinton, and R.J. Johnson, who have all proven their scoring abilities in the past. Additionally, wings Tyler Cochran and Jahmere Tripp, along with forwards Alex Crawford, Keeyan Itejere, and Mouhamed Sow, bring a diverse skill set to the team.
One of the key priorities for Miller was fortifying the defensive end, an area where his previous Rhode Island teams struggled. He aimed to understand the potential of this refurbished roster, and thus, the Rams' offseason was intense and focused on playing together.
"We had to treat our summer with more intensity and dedication than ever before," Miller explained.
As the Rams gear up for their season opener against Stetson on November 3rd, the process of gelling as a team continues. Miller remains optimistic about the potential for a breakout season, despite the challenges of building a new team.
A Look at the Rams
- Coach: Archie Miller, entering his fourth season at Rhode Island, with an overall record of 245-176 in 13 seasons.
- Last Year: The Rams started strong with nine consecutive wins, but struggled to maintain momentum in conference play, finishing with an 18-13 record and an early exit from the league tournament.
- Key Departure: Guard Sebastian Thomas, who averaged 17.2 points and six assists, will be missed. He was a vital part of the team's success last season.
- Impact Returner: Graduate student Drissa Traore, who played in all 31 games last season, is the lone rotation regular returning.
- Newcomers: The two veteran guards acquired through the portal, Myles Corey and R.J. Johnson, are expected to make a significant impact. Corey has scored over 2,000 points in his college career, while Johnson brings experience from Holy Cross and Charleston Southern.
Reasons for Optimism
The Rams have the potential to be a fast-paced, dynamic team. Miller believes in the athleticism and mobility of his players, which could lead to an exciting brand of basketball.
"Our frontcourt is faster than our guards at times. We have an athletic group, and we'll play to our strengths," Miller said.
Another key player to watch is redshirt junior Jonah Hinton, a veteran guard with Atlantic 10 experience. Hinton could be an X-factor for the Rams, providing stability and leadership.
Key Dates
- November 7th: Rhode Island takes part in the Veterans Classic, facing Tulsa in Annapolis, Maryland.
- December 6th: The annual rivalry game against Providence will be a highly anticipated matchup.
Final Thoughts
With a new-look team, it's hard to predict the Rams' performance. However, if the veteran guards can mesh well and lead the team, we could see a successful season. The Rams' journey this year will be an intriguing one, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the wins and losses, but the growth and development of these players under Miller's leadership.
What do you think? Will the Rams surprise us this season? Share your thoughts in the comments!
