Ishmael Leggett led the scoring for URI this season, averaging 16.1 points per game. PHOTO CREDIT: gorhody.com
The transfer portal has become an increasingly popular option for collegiate athletes over the following years.
This process allows athletes to seek out different schools for a variety of reasons. However, the University of Rhode Island Men’s Basketball team has been on the wrong end of this process so far in the 2023 offseason.
So far this offseason, second-year Brayon Freeman, third-year Ishmael Legget, second-year Abdou Samb and second-year Sebastian Thomas have entered the transfer portal.
Brayon Freeman
Freeman was the first name to enter the transfer portal for the Rams. The second-year guard was dismissed from the team on February 13. In an Archie Miller press release, the head coach shared the following statement:
“Brayon will no longer be a part of this program,” Miller said. We wish him well in the future. We will continue to support Brayon’s academics, health and wellness while he is a part of our University.”
While the reason for Freeman’s dismissal is still unknown, he has reportedly been communicating with Loyola Marymount, Pacific, San Diego, Portland, Rice, Delaware, Bryant, Old Dominion and CSU Bakersfield, per a tweet from Travis Branham of 247 Sports.
Ishmael Leggett
Leggett had a terrific 2022-23 campaign, posting career highs in points (16.1), rebounds (5.8), assists (2.3) and minutes (34.5). His 16.1 points per game were the highest in program history since Fatts Russell in 2019-20 (18.8).
Leggett became the star player of the Rams over his three years in Keaney Blue, with his last season showcasing two 30 point performances against Kansas State and George Washington. However, Leggett’s time in Rhode Island seemingly has come to an end.
On March 15, Leggett posted on his Instagram a statement about his future in the Ocean State:
“I would like to start by thanking Rhody Nation for the support over the years,” Leggett wrote. “I would also like to thank Coach Archie [Miller], the entire coaching staff, and my teammates, for helping me become a better player and person. No matter where my journey leads me, Rhode Island will always be my home.”
He followed this with the announcement Rhody fans were not longing to hear.
“With that being said, I would like to announce that I will be entering the transfer portal,” Leggett wrote. “I look forward to exploring all options, including Rhode Island.”
Leggett will continue to field offers from schools and make his decision down the road on where he will play basketball next.
Abdou Samb
Samb was a player who saw his first collegiate minutes this year after redshirting for the Rams in 2021-22. The 6’8” Redshirt Freshman saw more meaningful minutes earlier in the season, but his production and activity slowed down towards the end of the season. The forward started 16 of the first 17 games , however he played under 10 minutes for the last 4 games of the season.
His 3.6 points per game and 2.7 rebounds placed him in a role coming off the bench in the second half of the year, but Samb took to social media on March 16, through his Instagram.
“To my family, friends and teammates, I’d like to express my gratitude for their unwavering support during this decision,” Samb wrote. “I also want to express my gratitude to the Rhody Nation staff and community for everything they have done for me throughout my time here at URI, including giving me the chance to play the sport I cherish the most. My family and I have decided to part ways with this program after considering all of the options, and I will be placing my name in the transfer portal to continue my athletic and academic career.”
Samb did not mention the intent to leave Rhode Island as a returning option.
Sebastian Thomas
Thomas emerged as the Rams’ starting point guard following the dismissal of Brayon Freeman in early February, getting his first start since November and closing out the season as a key starter.
Thomas compiled 5.9 points per game this season while also dishing out 2.8 assists per game. However on March 18, Thomas announced he is entering the transfer portal.
Thomas is the fourth guard to depart from Rhode Island this offseason, joining Freeman, Leggett and Malik Martin (Graduation).
While the transfer portal is an ongoing process, those are the players that have left Rhode Island as of this week (3/23/23). Incoming transfer players towards Rhode Island could be expected in the coming weeks.