The University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team won their tune-up game against Division II St. Thomas Aquinas College in a Friday night exhibition game. It went according to script as the Rams received plenty of offensive contribution in their 100-77 home win. They were tested a bit early on, before a second-half drubbing reminded the Spartans that this is not the St. John’s team that they routed in a 32-point win. Although this game served the sole purpose of allowing URI to stretch their legs before the regular season, there are a few noteworthy points to be taken away from the game that could be relevant once the more significant games begin.
- The Rams will boast considerably more depth than last year. Few will question the strength of the starting lineup. With the highly anticipated addition of Memphis transfer Kuran Iverson, they should be more than capable of producing on both ends of the court. The bench, however, might just be what elevates them from being on the fringes of the Atlantic 10 Championship game to winning it and earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. With almost a completely new look, the reinforcements should be more capable of sustaining the momentum generated by the starting unit and making the team formidable for 40 minutes, which has eluded them in the past. Towson transfer Four McGlynn, in particular, shined with 13 points off the bench and freshman Christion Thompson drained two buckets from beyond the arc, also a prior affliction for Rhody squads. Probably most impressive to come off the pine was big man Earl Watson, whose 13 points and five blocks in just 19 minutes teased at possible range beyond just being a defensive specialist. More on him in a bit.
- The defense, while still just as imposing as last season, will cease to be a crutch that carries the team through shooting woes. The Rams now have a formidable offense with plenty of options to go around, and a couple of perimeter threats like McGlynn and sophomore Jared Terrell. Led by juniors E.C. Matthews and Hassan Martin, who each tallied 17 points, the Rams had five different players score in double figures. Obviously they will face stouter defenses, but there is no reason why fans cannot expect to see more shooting performances that resemble Saturday’s near 59 percent effort from the field.
- There will be ample rim protection despite lack of size. The past few seasons the Rams have been able to survive the sudden absences of potential key pieces like Jordan Hare and Leroy Butts whom were expected to provide much needed length. Martin, the premier shot blocker in the A-10 and one of the best in the country, will be asked to play even bigger this year. But even at 6-foot-7 that should not be a problem, especially with assistance coming in the form of senior Earl Watson. He equaled Martin’s five blocks and also looked comfortable in his role, which will likely include an increase in minutes, but without the addition of a lot of pressure. The starting five is expected to put the ball in the basket as well as sharpshooter McGlynn. Watson is expected to provide a big body in the paint that should alter or swat away shots. Offensive production, not thought to be in his repertoire, was seen in the exhibition and if it continues this season, he will more than exceed expectations.
- Free throws could still be an issue. To quote one spectator, “Some things never change.†The Rams free throw shortcomings have been well documented, and even cost the team some crucial games late last season. URI’s spotty 67 percent shooting night from the line might suggest continued struggles. There are many good teams in college that compensate for their low free throw percentages with smothering defense and athletic prowess, which the Rams possess, but fans might find it difficult to stomach another missed free throw in crunch time of big games. Expectedly the problem is most rampant in big men and URI is no exception. Martin and Watson combined 6-for-12 from the charity stripe. If it continues, that is exactly what they might be doing, giving away games.
- The Rams will have one of their most fervent fan bases in years. URI’s sixth man, the Rhody Ruckus, has been loyal even in losing seasons, but the crowd’s energy was apparent in a meaningless exhibition. The student section did not relent even with a 20-point lead, psyching out their opponents to the point where some remarks were a bit offensive and uncalled for, but that is beside the point. The atmosphere in the Ryan Center will be rowdy every game, but mark down Saturday, Dec. 5, on your calendars, as I am sure many alumni already had, because the noise levels should reach historic highs when detested foe Providence College arrives for an epic clash.
