URI basketball update: Daniels prepares for NBA draft, and more
By PAUL KENYON
Journal Sports Writer
Will Daniels is in Las Vegas.
No, it is not to celebrate his graduation from URI, but rather to prepare for life after college. Daniels' agent, Andy Miller, has a number of his clients -- players hoping to be drafted -- in Vegas. They are working out and playing basketball while awaiting word on who will be invited to Orlando, the final pre-draft camp.
In other URI basketball news, word is leaking out for next year, although not from the Rams. The team prefers not to discuss its schedule until everything is in place. However, Central Connecticut and New Hampshire have announced they will be visiting the Ryan Center next season.
Also, work for a tournament Thanksgiving week is apparently virtually complete. That event will include four games, one at home, one on the road and then two at The Palestra in Philadelphia to determine the title. URI is set to host Hartford and visit Monmouth. Possible opponents at The Palestra include Penn State and Villanova.
"There's still a lot to do, but we're in better shape than we were at this time last year," one school official said of the scheduling situation.
Finally, there is no word yet on the final make up of next year's team. As it is, the team has one too many players with those returning and five signed for next year. There also is word of a possible transfer.
Current indications are that any cutbacks are likely to come from the new players signed for next year. Hakim McCullar and Will Martell, two little-used freshmen last season, both are working hard and making improvements and appear likely to stay.
In one interesting Atlantic 10 development, Shawn James of Duquesne, the brother of URI forward Delroy James, has hired an agent and thus will not return to school for his final season of eligibility.
Despite an epic collapse that resulted in nine losses in his team's last 11 games and disappearance from the national rankings, Jim Baron has received a vote of confidence from his boss.
Not that the University of Rhode Island's basketball coach needed one. His 10-year, $4.3 million contract runs through 2013, and his team did finish with a record of 21-12.
"We have a heck of a basketball coach," Thorr Bjorn, URI's director of athletics, said yesterday during an interview. "We have a heck of a team returning and a heck of a class coming in. I'm really excited about next year."
URI risks loss of state money for athletics center
By MIKE SZOSTAK
Journal Sports Writer
State funding for the proposed Student Athlete Development Center at the University of Rhode Island is in jeopardy as a result of looming budget deficits.
The House Finance Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday to rescind authorization of a $7.2-million appropriation to URI for construction of the SADC, a critical component in the plan to upgrade athletics facilities on the Kingston campus and the focus of active fundraising the last several years. The SADC, if built, will feature a new weight room for varsity athletes, improved treatment space for the athletic training staff, and academic space for athletes to study. The proposed site is at the rear of the Keaney-Tootell complex.
The Finance Committee will also consider withdrawing funds allocated for a parking garage at the J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence.
House spokesman Larry Berman said yesterday that the Finance Committee wants to hear from URI officials on the status of the project before restructuring the arrangement in light of any changes.
“They don’t want to pull the rug out from under them,” Berman said.
The SADC has been on URI’s wish list going back to the term of athletics director Ron Petro. Tom McElroy shepherded the project during his brief tenure, Gregg Burke guided it along during his year as interim director, and Thorr Bjorn picked up the torch when he arrived on campus last summer. The SADC is part of a $10-million athletics initiative in the $100-million Making a Difference capital campaign. A Student Wellness Center for the general population to work out is part of a $20-million cut for facilities.
The SADC went before the public in 2004, but Rhode Island voters rejected a bond referendum. Two years later Gov. Carcieri included $5.4 million in his budget proposal to match an amount to be raised by the university. The General Assembly authorized $7.2 million from the Fiscal Year 2009 budget with URI to repay the state over 20 years. The deficits projected for this fiscal year, ending in June, and next fiscal year, starting July 1, make such an authorization tenuous now.
URI has received $1.3 million in contributions and pledges for the SADC, Kevin McGinniss, director of athletic development, said yesterday. About $1 million has come in the last six months, he said, since the arrival of Bjorn as director of athletics. The working goal for this drive is $3.5 million.
A delay in building the SADC would probably delay other capital projects on the drawing board such as a new east grandstand, artificial turf field and lights for Meade Stadium, an outdoor track and a press box for soccer. A $1-million gift from an anonymous donor to the baseball program will allow work on Bill Beck Field to begin after the season.
The State of Rhode Island contributes only 14 percent of URI’s operating budget, down from 24 percent in 1997.
OMAHA _ It was as if the URI basketball team was forced to relive a nightmare.
Even worse, it was like Groundhog Day. It was as if it was happening over and over again. And the ending always was the same. URI would lead for most of a game, but then get beaten at the end.
Because it put an capper to the season, the one that took place last night might have been the most painful of all. Cavel Witter, who had been 0-for-7 from the floor for the game, hit a 3-point shot from the left wing with three seconds left, giving Creighton a 74-73 thriller over Rhode Island in an NIT opening round game at the Qwest Center.
The shot gave the Bluejays their second lead of the night. The other one had been at 3-0. Rhode Island controlled play much of the way, led by as many as 17 and was still up by 12 (70-58) with 3:08 left.
But, as happened against Charlotte in the Atlantic 10 tournament, as happened in an overtime loss at Temple, as seemed to happen way too often, it all ended bitterly for the Rams.
``That game looked like our season,’’ said Rhody guard Parfait Bitee. ``We started pretty well. The second half we didn’t have a clue. At least that’s what it looked like.’’
Bitee, like many of his teammates, was still in uniform more than a half hour after it ended, still sitting in front of his locker. It was a bitter pill under any circumstances, all the more so because it was the repeat of what has happened so often as the team lost nine of its last 11 to finish 21-12.
``When you are up 20 (actually 17), you should seal the deal,’’ said fellow co-captain Will Dainels. ``We couldn’t defend the three. We didn’t defend the three well all season. (Charlotte’s Leemire) Goldwire did it to us. They did it to us tonight.’’
The loss was the 10th in single digits for URI.
In some, the team did not play well down the stretch. But in the last two, the 75-73 loss to Charlotte in the A-10 tournament, and last night, URI played well, more than well enough to win. They simply could not close it out.
``The kids gave their heart. They put everything into it. It was just a tremendous effort,’’ said URI coach Jim Baron. ``It was a great game.’’
URI carried play most of the way. It scored 12 straight after Creighton had taken a 3-0 lead. The Rams led 35-19, 45-30 at the half and 50-33. Creighton made a run and got within 54-50. But URI, playing shorthanded after Keith Cothran injured an ankle with 8:08 left in the first half, got contributions from numerous sources.
Will Daniels finished with 16 points, Jimmy Baron 13 and Lamont Ulmer 12 off the bench. Jason Francis, Delroy James and Marquis Jones, getting extended minutes because of Cothran’s injury, all made big plays as the Rams fought off the Creighton rally. The Ram lead grew to 61-50 after a Francis putback and Baron 3-pointer. A 17-footer by James and then a layup by Jones off a backdoor cut and feed from James made it 70-58 with 3:09 left.
But that’s when all the bad memories started coming back.
P’Allen Stinnett had a 3-pointer and Booker Woodfox two as the Jays rallied. The Jays pulled within one in the final minute. Jones was fouled and made one of two foul shots to make it 73-71 Rhode Island. Creighton called a time out with 11 seconds left to set up a play. URI decided to come out in a zone.
``We thought if we came out in man they would take it to the bucket and we might have to go to overtime,’’ Baron said. He was right. That’s the play Creighton coach Dana Altman called.
``We were running an inside penetration for P’Allen,’’ Altman said. ``They double teamed him. He made a really good decision.’’
Stinnett almost lost the ball as two defenders came at him at the top of the key. He had it down around his knees with two guys on him when he saw Witter on the left.
``I told P’Allen before the play they’d probably double team him. I told him, `You’ve been killing them (Stinnett had 22 points),’’ Witter said. ``I told him, `If you don’t have it. I’ll be ready.’ He trusted me and I trusted myself.’’
``He made a really good decision. That’s really tough to do as a freshman,’’ Altman said.
Witter drilled home to the winner to the delight of the crowd of 7,948, one of the smallest in Creighton’s Qwest Center history.
It was the12th 3-pointer for the Bluejays. They shot better from the 3-point line on the night (40 percent) than they did overall (36.7 percent). The made their last four 3-point attempts. Just as in the Charlotte game, a miss on any of them probably would have meant losing the game.
``It’s got to be heartbreaking for Rhode Island,’’ Altman said. ``They popped us for 30 minutes. We basically won the last three or four and won the game.’’
It is a story that turned into a nightmare for the Rams, one they had to live through way too often.
``It’s bad that our season has to be summed up like this,’’ Daniels said.
Kevin McNamara chatted with projo.com readers at noon today about college hoops. Here is the transcript of the chat.
Kevin McNamara: Hello hoop fans. We'll be here for about an hour answering your questions on the NCAA tournament, PC, URI and Brown hoops. We don't have many questions in our Q already so fire away and I'll give it my best shot for a return volley.
THL: I don't believe there are very many Friar fans who give a damn about the NCAA Tournament. All we want to know about is the status of Tim Welsh, and who is going to be the coach come next season. I writing this question on last Friday afternoon, so maybe you've got some answers by now to the questions that everybody wants answers to.
Kevin McNamara: Here's what we know about the PC job. Bob Driscoll is clearly focusing on a few coaches who are still working with their current teams. That makes this week a pretty slow one on the search process. He'll certainly do backround checks on some of his top choices. Who are the 3-4 guys he's focusing on? Too early to tell. At this point, he won't contact coaches until their teams are done playing so I wouldn't say anybody is a leader. Some coaches also won't get involved unless they are contacted by PC first. So who is going to be the next PC coach? I don't know and I know Bob Driscoll doesn't either at this point.
james donald: What about the Georgte Maswon Coach
Kevin McNamara: Is this Jimmy Donaldson? If so, come on in here and you do this chat.
b1: Kevin you do a great job. Jim O'Brien has been a popular name in the coaching rumor mill but he hasn't been mentioned so far in the press. Is he at all being considered to be replace Welsh?
Kevin McNamara: If i was doing this search, I'd think about Jim O'Brien and speak with him but it seems as if PC is scared away by his transgressions with the NCAA while at Ohio State.
Bobbyg: While a little early in the procedings, the obvious question is who might be in the mix to replace Timmy W?
Kevin McNamara: These are the guys I'd be talking to, in no particular order: Phil Martelli, Bob McKillop, Jim Larranaga, Craig Robinson, Kevin O'Neill. Other guys who I wouldn't suspect would have an interest who I'd call on include Anthony Grant (VCU), Jeff Van Gundy (likely NBA return) and Sean Miller (Xavier). That's called shooting for the moon.
Red: Kevin: Does the URI administration have any idea how restless the natives are? Not just the few of us on the projo board, but others I talk to are frankly embarassed at the way things went down the dumper. We need change -- what will it take?
Kevin McNamara: You are wasting your breath. First of all, URI is more than happy with a 21-win season and return to NIT for first time in several years. Now the next step is geting to the NCAA's. I think the Rams are positioned to remain in that mix over the next few years. They've recruited well and have talent in every class in their program. Did things fall apart at the end of this season? Of course. But the big picture is a positive. Besdies, there is absolutely no way URI can get out of Jim Baron's contract even if it wanted to. He is owed 5 more years. Barring an unforeseen embarrassment, URI would have to privately raise big $$ for a buyout. That is not on anyone's radar screen, even if a small pocket of fans think it should be.
kurtsletten: Kevin, it seems to me that a coach with a solid recruiting background should be a high priority. Both Rick Barnes and Pete Gillen seemed to be able to pry away blue chippers away from the bigger schools (i.e. Michael Smith, God Shammgod) while Welsh always seemed to be searching for a a diamond in the rough (i.e. Gomes). Your thoughts?
Kevin McNamara: The perfect staff at Providence would include an innovative coach willing to try something different in X's and O's. He'd also be someone who loves recruiting and the challenge of trying to target top 100 players and getting them. More importantly, PC needs a coaching staff filled with recruiters and guys with connections. If someone can be hired and bring a top recruit along `a package deal' all the better. Finally, the staff needs to be good at individual workouts so the players in the program get better once they are here. That's asking a lot and I don't know if a staff with that makeup is even possible but that is my goal if I'm Bob Driscoll.
nelsonstmafia: kevin - 34 at large bids, 26 went to "bcs" schools, leaving just 8 to smaller conferences. what does it say about the a-10 and the level of competition that URI played against this season?
Kevin McNamara: The A-10 made great strides this season to get back into that upper echelon of leagues. Now it has to build on it. Three bids this season, 4 or 5 next year. Repeating its N-C success is clearly paramount because RPI's for all the schools slide once conference play begins..The A-10 will get its share of bids if it is the 7th or 8th conference, staying ahead of the Missouri Valley and Colonial, for example. If it slides back to 10th or 11th, it will struggle to get at-large bids.
kurtsletten: Kevin, any thoughts as to where Welsh ends up next?
Kevin McNamara: I keep hearing from other coaches and plugged=in media types that Tim Welsh could get hired by another school in the next few months. I believe that. The question is would Welsh want to coach at a school like Toledo, which just opened? Good league (MAC) but you have to live in Toledo. That's a question only Tim can answer.
jim: On name I haven't heard menioned is Tommy Amaker at Harvard who has Big East ties. Assuming that PC can't persuade a big name coach to come here, what about a top assistant coach. Maybe a guy like Chris Collins or even Richard Pitino.
Kevin McNamara: Tommy Amaker is not on the radar, and should not be. He's at Harvard for a reason. he didn;t get it done at Michigan. Michigan. PC will not hire an assistant coach. That is suicide in a conference where you coach against Pitino, Boeheim, Calhoun, Huggins, ect.
Bobbyg: I am hopeful that the returning PC team will entice a decent coach into realizing that they are not inheriting a broken program, but one that could (make that "should" with the right coaching) get into the NCAA next year. When I hear Larranaga and O'Brien I think their better days have come and gone. Of course, when you bring the hot young coach in you risk another Pitino or Barnes situation where they are exiting in 2 - 3 years after some quick success. It ain't easy being a small school in a big league. Driscoll has his work cut out for him. But I have faith in Driscol and more in Fr. Shanley.
Kevin McNamara: Right now I think PC would be thrilled with a 3-5 year run by a coach that is good enough to send him on to greener pastures. Winning is what it's all about. if that wasn't the case, Tim Welsh would still be the coach. As for your take that PC should be in the NCAA's nexty season, I doubt they will be selected pre-season in the Big East's top 7.
rhody85: How about Travis Ford, or is he to smart to think he could win on a consistent basis at PC, I do think you can win at PC, just not consistently.
Kevin McNamara: Travis Ford belongs in the South, not in Rhode island. I think he needs to get UMass into the NCAA's before he moves on. He's doing a fine job in Amherst right now.
Eileen: What about Tim O'Shea?
Kevin McNamara: Good coach who's won a lot of games in a difficult league. Someone who is on the radar, for sure.
rhody85: How good is Ben Eaves supposed to be?
Kevin McNamara: I haven't seen Ben play in a while but reports from URI's coaching staff were that he will help right away next season. He needs to shoot the ball well from outside to play a lot of minutes. He'll compete with LUlmer and Delroy james for minutes.
Friar Fan: Kevin- I was shocked when Driscoll said he was going to be a one man search commitee. He said his experience as a hockey coach allows him to make the call. That scare you?
Kevin McNamara: I much prefer the 1-man committee approach to the URI-like Gang of 10. That is unweildly and insulting to candidates, in all honesty. PC is a private school and can run searches anyway it chooses. URI and other public schools are bound to use committees for important hires. I think Bob knows enough people that he wil listen to important ones to get names to explore and then do his homework to investigate and meet ones he really likes. Then they come to PC and meet Fr. Shanley and others. That's how it'll play out. It could take awhile to get to the end.
rhody85: Is Eaves in anyway a Will Daniels substitute? Or is that asking too much?
Kevin McNamara: It's asking too much. Will was a 2-time all-league player. Ben has yet to prove he can play at this level. Just getting him to play 20 minutes a game and score 8-12 points a game would be a good 1st year in my book.
rf1: It seems that the A-10 has a perception problem. Everyone was talking about the league's great OOC season. Yet the league is later crucified because some of its top teams lose to teams in conference. The converse is not true for teams in the Big East. You hear very little when it comes to bubble talk about WV losing to Cinci, Villanova losing to Rutgers, or Syracuse losing to South Fla and Cinci. You instead hear how tough a league like the Big East is. The Big East was the RPI fifth rated league ( the A-10 was the RPI 7th rated league). It is the opposite for the A-10. Why is this? Do you think it is fair?
Kevin McNamara: The numbers don't lie. I think the Big East had six teams in the top 25 or so of the RPI. The A-10 had 1 (Xavier). Huge difference there. When you play so many good teams in conference, you can't damage yourself all that much with a `bad' loss. Not the case in the A-10. I agree with your premise that the A-10 has a perception problem. Dayton, for example, should've really been considered stronger for the NCAA in my eyes. The issue there was a horrid final 12 games. The conference RPI's do not matter. At all. ACC was #1 and it got 4 teams in. Look at individual resumes and then ask yourself, is this team's records better than another. Do that with Dayton and Villanova, for example. It's very, very close but I'm sure the committee members would say Villanova had better wins later in the year. Dayton's wins over Louisville and Pitt were somehow downgraded. I'm not sure why.
rhody85: Any word on Scott Cordischi being picked up by another local radio station to do an afternoon sports talk show, I already miss having a Rhode Island option during tourney time. Find myself trying to get the FAN out of NYC, although you did a great job on EEI yesterday they don't do a good job with college hoops.
Kevin McNamara: Losing The Score is a tragedy for RI hoop fans. A real tragedy. No word this early on local sports radio getting back into Rhode Island and I'd say it is a long shot. The Score's ratings were very low and that led to its demise. In retrospect, talking Pats/red Sox 52 weeks a year and trying to mirror WEEI was a knockout mistake. That may be what `the public' wanted but it didn't help the station very much. I find it hard to believe there isn't a market for a station that does Sox/Pats and PC/URI a little more often. ..I'm with you. hearing defensive line talk in March turns my stomach. I also think its a shame and downright sinful for Citadel to dump the Score as quickly as it did and not give these guys more of a going away package. Radio is an awful business.
Kevin McNamara: Out of questions guys. Fire away. How about the NCAA tourney??
rhody85: Will Billy Baron prep after next year or is he ready for D1 play?
Kevin McNamara: I think Billy Baron should go to prep for the next 2 years. My opinion only.
kurtsletten: Kevin, can you tell us anything about PC's lone recruit for next year, the kid from New Jersey? Is the consensus that he is a Big East type player?
Kevin McNamara: Bilal Dixon enjoyed a very good senior season in New Jersey. He's seen as a typical Tim Welsh recruit: a sleeper. Good news is he owns the type of physical body to perhaps play some right away. He's a little bigger than Jon Kale. We'll see if he's better.
Red: Out of questions? You haven't answered my follow-up yet.
Kevin McNamara: Repeat please, Red.
rhody85: Is there a small station in RI that has sports talk, I thought I heard that. Is Cordischi doing the broadcast of the Brown game tonight?
Kevin McNamara: I do not know of it. If you do, fire it my way. In know that Scott and Russ Tyler are doing the Brown-Ohio game tonight on 790-am. There's a note on that in our paper today.
nelsonstmafia: kevin - do you see any big surprises in the coaching carousel? every year, someone gets fired or leaves a good job for another out of the blue. what do you predict for this year?
Kevin McNamara: There always are Nelson. Like Tubby Smith leaving Kentucky to go to Minnesota a year ago. I think PC would love to get lucky like that. Tough to predict who would be that big domino to fall.
CranstonFriar: Is there a surprise candidate people haven't heard about who might be a candidate for the PC job? and how long can the search go before it impacts recruiting?
Kevin McNamara: I'm sure a name or three will sirface over the next few weeks that you'd call a `surprise.' That's the nature of the beast. As for recruiting, its effected recruiting all year. Big Time. I'll be writing on that in the next few days.
rhody85: I thought there was a small station in Woonsocket that did sports talk for a few hours, although I can't remeber where I heard that. The score should have made a run at the rights to URI after losing PC. I think PC made a mistake on going to EEI.
Kevin McNamara: You're wrong on that one. If PC didn't go to WEEI, it would be up sh&%#'s creek right now. The Score would be gone and they'd be on an oldies station. if this happened last year, PC would have no leverage with its negotiations with WEEI. They snuck in just in time. The URI-WHJJ relationship has been a good one for URI but signal issues are a major problem with stations around Rhode Island.
Red: You said the administration is happy wih 21 wins and a trip to the NIT. Those 21 wins are an ilusion for a numbe of reasons, not the least of which is the 30-game regular season. We were picked to finish at or near the top of our league, but we finished, what, eighth? And who did we beat? Nobody playing in the NCAA. And when we started circling the drain in the last seven-eight weeks, what adjustments were made? He had the best pure shooter in the country and couldn't even get him open. And how many point guards abused us on simple pick-and-rolls? You need at least two hands to count them. And they're satisfied with all this?
Kevin McNamara: Got it, Red. Satisfied, sure. Thrilled? Of course not. I think URI's talent base was exposed in A-10 play. Not enough big men and lack of point guard depth was a real issue. As for defense, that'll be priority numbert one in the off-season. I know this doesn't answer your question but, believe me, there is no `Get Baron' sentiment in Kingston with the people that matter. None.
SU Fan: Kevin you think there will be any kids flunk out from PC with the staff gone? Bye the way word on campus here is Greene is not going to class and is gone for next year.
Kevin McNamara: If you mean Donte Greene, that's too bad. He said after Big East loss that he's back if he's not in top 5. I'll believe that..Too early to guess if PC has any academic issues.
CranstonFriar: How secure is Paul Hewitt at GaTech?
Kevin McNamara: I hear he's secure now. After next year could be another matter. I'd try to talk to him, for sure. I think he'd be an excellent fit at Providence.
rhody85: Ideally both Rhody and PC would have consitent success, do think Rhody in the A10 is set up to have more consistency than Providence in the BE?
Kevin McNamara: Define consistent success? Winning seasons, NIT's, NCAA's?
rhody85: You and PK do a great job, I hope you both get to follow the teams on the road next year.
Kevin McNamara: Plans are a go. Right now anyways. It helps when you avid fans keep reading our stuff. Please keep it up.
rhody85: 4 out of 5 years in either NIT or NCAA's.
Kevin McNamara: I feel that's asking an awful lot for both schools. If I had to answer your question, I'd say it's easier to get to the NIT at URI than PC. It may be easier to get to NCAA at Providence since the Big East gets 6-8 bids every year and th A-10 gets 2-3. But it's very, very hard at both of these schools.
SU Fan: I read where PC's AD said he expects thenm to be in the top 5 or 6 in the conference every year. You know what schools he thinks you guys should be ahead of?
Kevin McNamara: I am not in agreement with that. Just my opinion. I agree with you. PC finishes 7th next year. Name the 9 teams it finishes ahead of?
617rhodyfan: kevin - USC/kansas state, who do you like?
Kevin McNamara: I like So. Cal. To go a long ways. Final Four is possible.
Kevin McNamara: Thanks a lot everyone. Enjoy the tournament. This is the best time of the year for us basketball-crazed fans.
Kevin McNamara will be online from noon to 1 p.m. to take your questions about the NCAA Tournament and other college basketball matters. You can submit your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, pick a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. Remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them.
The URI basketball team is learning that it is not easy getting from Kingston, R.I., to Omaha, Neb., on short notice.
But it can be done.
The Rams are practicing at home this afternoon for their NIT game against Creighton in Omaha tomorrow night. It was an easy decision to get the work in at home before heading out. That's because they have had to make the best of difficult travel plans.
There are no flights available today to handle the entire team. So, the Rams will head to Green Airport late this afternoon where they will split into three groups on three different airlines. The hope is that everyone will be reunited by midnight Central time in Omaha.
The Rams-Bluejays' game must be played on the NIT's opening night because the Qwest Center, Creighton's home court, is the site of first and second-round NCAA Tournament games this weekend. Kansas, Wisconsin and Southern Cal are among the eight teams that will play in the building over the weekend.
It makes for a hectic schedule, but no one is complaining.
``It is tough to turn everything around in 24 hours,'' said coach JIm Baron. ``But you know what? It's a great opportunity. We're happy to do it. We look forward to it.
The URI basketball team will get to continue its season in Omaha, Neb.
The Rams tonight accepted a bit to play in the Master Card National Invitation Tournament. They will visit Creighton, from the Missouri Valley Conference, Tuesday night in a late game, 10 p.m. eastern time.
Creighton finished fourth in the Missouri Valley with a 10-8 record, 21-10 overall. The Blue Jays played two Atlantic 10 teams early in the season, beating Saint Joseph's 90-84 at home and losing at Xavier, 79-66.
It will be the Rams’ 12th appearance in the NIT. The Rams are 9-12 in the event, including two losses in the 1945 tournament when only eight teams were invited.
The last was in 2004 when the Rams beat Boston University in the Ryan Center, then lost at West Virginia in the second round. URI’s best finish was in 1946 when it was runner-up to Kentucky. That was the year URI legend Ernie Calverley fired ``the shot heard round the world’’ when he drained a 62-footer at the end of regulation against Bowling Green. Rhode Island won in overtime, 89-86.
We're back from a long afternoon at Providence College where Tim Welsh was relieved of his duties. We'll have three stories in Sunday's Journal on the news.
Here are excerpts from AD Bob Driscoll's press briefing:
“Ultimately as the athletic director I’m responsible for the successes or the failures of my programs and basketball is my primary responsibility,” he said. “I just felt that at this juncture, looking at the body of work and where we need to do, that a change in leadership was necessary. It’s not personal to Tim. It’s part of the business and having been in this business for a long time, you trust your gut instinct in terms of change."
"With change comes great opportunity and renewed energy. That was the reason why I made the decision. The other reason is I have a high expectation for men’s basketball here at Providence College. This perception that we can never be successful or that we’re happy with just getting to the Big East (Tournament), well that goes against every bit of my core being. My goal is to win the Big East championship. Will we get there? Time will tell. But there’s no reason we can’t finish in the upper half of that league and if you do that on a consistent basis, you’ll get to the (NCAA) Tournament.
“I can look at Georgetown and at Marquette, particularly Georgetown four or five years ago, and they were nowhere near in the mix. Those schools have been able to do it. If you look at the leadership here and the facilities we’ve built, with what’s happening downtown at the new Dunk, the money we’re raising, there’s no question in my mind that we can get there. Now we have to prove that we can get there but that’s the reason I made this decision, because of the expectations that we have.”
"A number of the people that we’ll hopefully start looking at are in the Tournament,” he said. “Out of respect for them, we’re not going to start those conversations (yet). But there’s ways to find out whether people are interested without messing that whole system up for them.”
“I’d like to do it as quickly as I can but I don’t want to put a strict time line on it because if there are people I want to talk to who are continuing on, obviously I can’t do that. In an ideal world you’d want someone on board by the conclusion of the Final Four but I don’t know. I want to take as much time as necessary to do the best job I can to get the right person. It’s fluid.”
Kevin McNamara: Hello everyone. Obviously one of the busiest times of the year for college hoop mavens. I'm headed to NYCity later today to get ready for tomorrow's PC-West Virginia game. I'm packing right now. Should I go light or heavy?
Kevin McNamara: Please forward your questions. I have about 15 in the Q right now. I will not answer the PC coaching situation over and over and over. I will take questions on URI and Brown as well as NCAA tourney questions. We'll go for about an hour.
BedfordPenthouse: What does Tim Welsh have to do at this point to get an extention going into next year?
Kevin McNamara: Here goes with the Tim Welsh category. The PC coach is obviously on very shaky ground right now. You can debate whether that is fair or not but it is fact. No decision has been made on whether his contract is extend or not. I know this as fact. Can he save himself at this point? That's debatable but he can make it interesting with, say 2 wins this week. Getting to Big East semis with team would be a major achievement....As to new coaching names, let's just say that I've done my share of research. Most of the names fans are tossing about have NO interest in coming to Providence. They either can get better jobs, have a better job or don;t like the chances to win here. I do think that if TW were to get fired, the Friars can find a good coach and won;t have to pay $800K-plus. I think Bob Driscoll will aim high and see if he can get a proven winner. If that doesn't happen, he'll have to get creative and think broadly. That is risky but if Welsh isn't the coach next year, there are no guarantees that the next coach is `better' than he is. If this reads like I am not going to discuss Larranaga, O'Brien, Christian, Van Gundy, ect. you are correct.
BedfordPenthouse: The two names that people have been throwing around to become the next Friars coach have been Jim Larranaga and Jim O'Brien. Of the two, who is better for this job?
Kevin McNamara: Ditto.
THL: Have you heard anything new regarding a coaching change at PC?
Kevin McNamara: Ditto.
pcfan: Hello, Kevin: Should PC be eliminated tomorrow, and the season officially end, do you have any sense of a timeframe for when (or if) PC will replace Welsh? Is it likely that he will "resign" or do you think PC will fire him? Thank You.
Kevin McNamara: As for timing, if PC goes down tomorrow, I would think early to middle next week they have an annoucement on whether the coach is in contract negotiations or moving on.
FriarFan: When will PC make a coaching announcement? What do anticipate regarding their decesion? Thanks.
Kevin McNamara: See above.
BedfordPenthouse: Will Greedy Peterson be in a Friars uniform next season?
Kevin McNamara: I think Greedy has the potential to be a good Big East player. He is undersized, however, and needs to learn how to play without the basketball on offense. That's been his issue late in this season. Tim Welsh would love to have Greedy back. if he's not the coach, you'd have to ask the new guy.
BedfordPenthouse: While his brother will most likely go to UCONN, what are the chances that Majok Majok ends up with the Friars?
Kevin McNamara: All recruiting is up in the air at Providence. That's been the main problem with the decision to let this season be a `referendum' on Tim Welsh. No way anyone would commit to PC in this scenario. The staff has worked the junior class but fallen behind other competitors. Majok Majok is just a name. PC doesn't `lead' for him, in any way shape or form.
matt: kevin ,next year coach baron will give us the excuse that when you lose seniors like Will Daniels and Parfait Bitee that it is tough to replace them. Knowing that will be his excuse next year - what possibly could his excuse be for the collapse we witnessed this year? I think he needs to take responsibility for this. 2007-2008 was supposed to be THE YEAR. Not qualifying for any tournament is totally unacceptable. I hope Thorr Bjorn recognizes this.
Kevin McNamara: I am as surprised as anyone that the Rams have faded here in February-March. I hope they can win a game in Atlantic City and find their way into the NIT or CBI but it will be tough, as Paul Kenyon's article in today's Journal correctly points out. What is the `excuse?' It's lack of defense. Why is this? URI patterned its game after the run-and-gun NBA teams and when its offense was roaring, the Rams were very good. When the O stalls a bit, the defense isn't there to back things up. Losing WDaniels, PBitee and Joe Mbang is very big for this team. URI fans are learning how tough it is to get to the NCAA's.
Ben: Hi, Kevin. URI basketball has seen yet another embarrassing, horrific collapse under Jim Baron. While this guy seems like a nice man who appears to run a clean & honest program, I (and other URI fans) feel that he is not a good coach and has worn out his welcome as coach of the Rams. His teams ALWAYS finish worse than they started. He has never won an NCAA tournament game & has only been there twice in well over 2 decades as a head coach. In fact, neither of those trips were with URI. His offensive strategies are incredibly simple, predictable, and easy to defend once you see what they're doing. This man is not capable of better than getting to the occasional NIT. Do you think that URI would make a coaching change if the state's financial situation were better and/or his contract was closer to its end? And, do you personally feel that Jim Baron has performed adequately in his 7 years (that's almost a decade) at URI?
Kevin McNamara: I won't speculate about Baron's future at URI. I will state that he isn't going anywhere. URI's decision to lock him up for 10 years was an odd one at the time and severely handcuffs the school. It's a 1-way deal that only favors the coach. It also gets very expensive as the years roll on so buying him out is not an option. I personally feel they shouldn't even think about that and no one at Rhody is. Baron has rebuilt the program to his liking and winning 21-22 games this season is a very good year. Obviously expectations were raised once the Rams got off to such a hot start and now people are disappointed. The good news is the staff is working hard to stock the program with good players, more needed size and some additional athleticism. I think a core of Jimmy Baron, KSeawright, Ulmer, Cothran, Delroy James is pretty good. If some of the newcomers can help a bit, the Rams will be in the A-10 mix once again. That's very different from the poorer years that Baron endured trying to get the program back on track.
rhodewarriorlm: Tough question Kev! Baron is a really likable guy and the job he first took over in Kingston was far from a tea party. He has done good things for the program yes. With all of that good will acknowledged Coach cannot seem to get any team to the NCAA's? His best teams at Rhody (this year) and the (Dustin Hellenga) team both had swoons that cost them post season play under Baron. Putting the good will aside for a moment do you really think Jim Baron is anything more than a NIT coach in his best? Do you think Rhody fans have a point in being really upset with the coaching staff regarding this years collapse?
Kevin McNamara: Look above. Getting to the NCAA is hard, especially at a school like URI which is not a top 5 Atlantic 10 program. Not yet, anyways. I think the student-athlete center being talked about will help a lot and recruiting the last 2-3 years is clearly going well. Getting ahead of Xavier, UMass, Temple, Dayton, St. Joe, St. Louis (on the rise) consistently is asking a lot if you cheer for the Rams. If the A-10 remains a 1-3 bid league, do the math. Cracking the NCAA's is a tall order.
rhodewarriorlm: With the swoon in full scale at Rhody do you see them inning any games in the A-10 tourney. If they get eliminated in the 1st or 2nd round do you even see them getting an NIT invite or will the severity of the swoon keep them out of even the NIT?
Kevin McNamara: If URI loses to Charlotte, I think there is a very good chance the NIT passes on them. Hope not. Beat the 49'ers and things clearly improve. problem is A-10 is loaded with NIT-type teams (Charlotte, Temple, Dayton, St. Joe).
rhodewarriorlm: Lets get things flowing for next year.... who has the better recruting class for next year- URI or PC? Can you tell us about either class?
Kevin McNamara: That's for the easyt question. URI in a landslide. The Rams have signed a good, deep class that was badly needed. Lots of promise anyways. PC had one scholarship and used it on Bilal Dixon, a player who could see time right away. URI's class depends on several players academically qualifying. Things look good now but anything can happen with kids these days. Big men Ryan Brooks and Orion Outerbridge are the keys. Both aren't bangers but are athletic and can run the floor. Think Will Daniels, minus 20 pounds. Raw but talented. Remember, the Rams also welcome transfer Ben Eaves, who PC badly wanted out of prep school. He's impressed all year in practice.
rhodewarriorlm: Where (if you do) do you have Will Daniels going in the NBA draft? Do you see him having a productive career or will he ride the pine and be out of the league in a year or two?
Kevin McNamara: I am not hearing much on Will and the NBA. I see his name on some web sites (nbadraft.net, for example) but no scout I've talked to says they see him as a 1st rounder. Will is an NBA 3-man who lacks quickness and will have major defensive issues. He needs to go to pre-draft camps and prove that scouting report wrong. We all know he can score. He'd have a great European career because of those skills but he'll try to make a run at the NBA first. We all wish him luck. He's a good kid.
THL: Is there any serious recruiting being done at this time by the Friars?
Kevin McNamara: I would say no. Any HSchool coach with a clue would know PC's coaching sitaution has to be cleared up before I can take what PC's assistant are saying seriously.
mando11522: Rhode Island's chances of winning the A-10...semms there path isn't to bad
Kevin McNamara: Winning the tournament? Let's just beat Charlotte first. URI lost to the 49ers at Ryan Center just a few days ago. That sounds like a very tough first round game.
friar fan: Kevin- Do you think Gonzo is in trouble for his actions Sunday with his press conference and screaming at a SHU official to "get out of my face"?
Kevin McNamara: That's one of the issues I can't wait to hear more on once we get to New York. I know Gonzo is intense but his inability to control that intensity is one of his major faults. It's not winning him any friends, that's for sure.
mando11522: thoughts on uri chances at winning the a-10
Kevin McNamara: see above.
THL: With San Diego winning the WCC by beating Gonzaga last night, do you feel that the Zags will still get a bid to the dance using up an at large bid?
Kevin McNamara: Thanks for the NCAA question. Best time of year speculating on who does and does not get in. Gonzaga will definitely be an at-large pick. The Zags play a great schedule, won enough games out of conference and were regular season champs in a good league. The West Coast will now get 3 bids: Zags, SDiego and St. Mary's. All three should be watched closely in your pools next week.
Blue Elvis: Looking ahead to next year for the Friars, it seems to me that getting Randal Hanke into the weight room should be a priority. It seems when he plays tough, the Friars play better as a whole team. (I live in DC, and rarely get to see PC games, so I am basing this opinion off of what I read. Let me know if I am off-base).
Kevin McNamara: That's a good call. Randall has enjoyed a very good season after coming in with all sorts of question marks hovering over him. Fans expected him to be good right away and that didn't happen. Tim Welsh didn't play him early on, which was based on shoddy practice efforts, but may have been a mistake. Obviously the Friars needed Hanke to be a legitimate offensive team. He's playing well in the post right now. Hanke will never be the Incredible Hulk but does work in the weight room. Not sure what his upside physically is, though. That's why getting Bilal Dixon, a banger, was so important for next year. Jon Kale's inability to fill that role consistently has hurt this team.
THL: Dwain Williams....In your opinion, has he played his last game in black and white? What are his issues?
Kevin McNamara: Word is Dwain is in the doghouse and is `concentrating on his academics.' Don't know for sure but sounds like he's struggling academically and needs to go to every class. Just a guess, which I guess we're allowed to do in a chat but not the newspaper.
mando11522: As everyone knows san diego won the WCC and south alabama and VCU lost in there conference torney's...who's bubbles just burst because of those teams winning/losing...
Kevin McNamara: These are the teams on the bubble right now. They don't want to see anymore upsets. I think South Alabama (RPI 24) had better watch out. It has 20 wins against teams ranked 100 or higher on RPI. I'd take Dayton over that every day. Dayton, St. Joe, Villanova, Syracuse, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio State, Oregon are just some of the teams that better win a game or two to lock up bids. It would be a shame of the A-10 only got 2 bids. They don't deserve more, however. Beat teams you're supposed to (re:Dayton & St. Joe) at home and you'd be in...I look at quality wins and playing well late. Those are the 2 things I like best.
rodfromcranston: Come on Kevin. CFL's teams always fade at the end of the season. This is THE biggest collapse in URI history, and yet not ONE word of media criticism.
Kevin McNamara: Rod. Let's get JHarrick back! Just bustin'. It is a major collapse but I think URI fans got juiced up over a team that was always flawed. Then the flaws came through. Look at you 5-man. An unheralded JUCO who can't score. That led to rebounding an interior defense issues. Also, the schedule didn't help. URI played great in the Syracuse win but didn't have to play great to win any of its other NC games (Providence included). Once they started playing good teams (especially on the road) at least once a week in a much-improved Atl-10 then things began to crack. You want to kill the coach? Go ahead. But I fault talent issues more than X's-and-O's. They need better players, especially on the interior. That's the coach's fault, too.
mando11522: Florida, Ohio st., Cuse, or Kentucky...which outta those 4 do you think will legit get in the NCAA
Kevin McNamara: Good question. If it's those four, I'd probably have to go with Ohio State. They beat SYR head-to-head back when Eric Devendorf was playing. They're playing well now. Excellent coach. I think what kentucky and Florida did in the N/C season cannot be overlooked. You can't whack bad teams, lose to ALL the good ones and then get healthy in conference. That tells me your conference isn't all that good.
THL: Your old friend, Ron Borges wrote in the Attleboro paper that Dwain Williams was told not to go anywhere near the team....Does this relate to your answer above that he is/has to devote time to academics?
Kevin McNamara: Ron Borges? Peter Gobis covers PC up in Attleboro. My reference to Dwain's academic issues was cut out of a PC Journal I wrote for Sunday's paper. Dwain is out for the season with an ankle injury, by the way. You should probably focus on the guys who are healthy.
URIGONZO: Kevin, a lot of blame on URI Projo board has been placed on Coach Baron for the late season collapse. I for one think it is lack of effort on the part of the player's i.e. not playing hard on defense and letting a guard go from the 3-pt arc to the hoop without stopping him. Do you feel the player's could have done better, or does the task of motivating them fall squarely on the coaching staff??
Kevin McNamara: It's a team game and the coaches & players work together. Coach's fault? That's what the fans always say. It's the player's job to execute and URI's players obviously have not done a good job with that. As I stated somewhere above, I think this team was always flawed with its lack of size and once opponents figured out how to slow the offense down, the Rams' main strength was sapped....Growl all you want Ram fans. You've won 21 games and I like the talent in the program. Getting to that next, NCAA ,level is hard.
KD: What's your read on W. Efejuku? Coaching challenge? Out of position? Why the incredible inconsistency?
Kevin McNamara: I think Weyinmi Efejuku is a talented player but not nearly as talented as PC fans think. His mental approach to the game has clearly been hurt by inconsistent playing time and clashes with the coaching staff. If he gave a better effort on defense and off the glass, he'd play more. He also needs to improve his ballhandling so he can get his own shot more often. That is PC's number one problem. Without a PG, there are few players who can break a defender down a get their own shot. Watch tomorrow's WVU game closely and count how many times a guy makes a move and gets off a clear jumper or continue past a defender or three and makes his way to the rim...You'll be amazed at the low number.
Kevin McNamara: Guys. I have to wrap this up. I saw all of your questions but i do have to pack. So what's the answer, light or heavy???
Talk college hoops at 11 a.m. today with Kevin McNamara
Kevin McNamara will stop by the office today just before heading down to New York City for the Big East Tournament to take your questions about the Friars and the Rams, who are on their way to the A-10 tourney in Atlantic City. Kevin will be in the college hoops chat room at projo.com to answer your questions from 11 a.m. to noon.
You can submit a question now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chatm, choose a display name (you don't need a password), enter the college hoops chat room and begin typing. Do not hit enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them.
The Atlantic 10 just announced their post-season awards. Here is a link to the league's official release.
URI's Will Daniels made the first all-league team but no other Ram player was mentioned in the top 15 players. Parfait Bitee was an all-defensive team pick and Jimmy Baron was named to the all-academic team.
The A-10 Player of the Year was UMass' Gary Forbes. Rookie of the Year was Kevin Anderson of Richmond and Xavier's Sean Miller was the Coach of the Year.
Because of a late change in his schedule, Kevin McNamara will not be able to do today's hoops chat as planned. He sends his apologies and encourages readers to still send in questions; he will answer some of them later this week on the College Hoops Blog.
To send a question: go to projo.com/chat, click the red "launch chat" button, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, do not press enter or click send until you have finished your thought.
Kevin McNamara will be online from noon to 1 p.m. to take questions from projo.com readers aboiut PC and URI basketball, or about any other college basketball topic you wish to have addressed. You can submit a question now: go to projo.com/chat, click the red "launch chat" button, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, do not press enter or click send until you have finished your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them on Wednesday.
Multimedia: Paul Kenyon previews URI-Saint Joseph's
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Paul Kenyon previews the Rams game Sunday against the Hawks, and about the team's psyche as its struggles continue.
Mike Marra, the All-State shooter from Smithfield, has verbally committed to play at Louisville. Marra will sign with the Cardinals this November and enroll in the fall of 2009.
"I feel excellent," Marra said today from his prep school, Northfield Mt. Hermon. "It was a little overwhelming at first but I'm excited it's over and I'm going to Louisville."
Marra ended his recruitment when Cards coach Rick Pitino saw him play Wednesday against Winchendon School. It was the first time Pitino saw Marra play in person.
Marra becomes the second Rhode Island junior to commit to a big-time school. South Kingstown's Erik Murphy picked Florida last month.
More on Marra's pick in Friday's Journal.
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Paul Kenyon previews the Rams game tonight against the Minutemen, and talks about where URI stands in the chase for an NCAA bid.
A new community sprang up last night at the University of Rhode Island. They are calling it Baronville.
Students wanting to make sure they will get tickets to Thurdsay night's URI-UMass game were setting up tents outside the Ryan Center. By 9:30 p.m., seven tents had been put up.
Those students wanted to be first in line when student tickets become available at 10 a.m. Thursday. In all, 1,500 free tickets are kept for each game for students. However, for the last two games that has not been enough and some students have been turned away.
Baronville residents will assure themselves of being first in line.
The game will be ``Celebrate Rhode Island Night'' at the Ryan Center. Among other activities, the World Series trophy will be available for viewing and photos, courtesy of the Red Sox, beginning at 6 p.m.. Pro golfer Brad Faxon will be honored with a ``Community Hero'' Award. Also, Tony Lepore, better known as Providence's dancing cop, will perform at halftime.
URI coach Baron to appear on Mike & The Mad Dog show today
Rhode Island basketball coach Jim Baron will join WFAN's Mike Francesa and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo on their radio show today at 3:05 p.m. Click here to listen to the live audio stream.
How big is basketball fever at URI? So big that some students paid for tickets for tonight's game against Xavier.
The game is a sellout. The last tickets went about 11 a.m., purchased by students.
About 200 tickets were left beginning the day. That is in addition to the 1,500 put aside for students, the free tickets given to students for every game.
Student tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. The first students got in line at 4:30 a.m. By 9 a.m., one Ryan Center worker reported counting 160 students in line. Once ticket windows opened, the 1,500 tickets were gobbled up in about 45 minutes.
When students were told the student allotment was gone, some asked about buying the remaining $8 tickets. By 11 a.m., the students had paid for the last available tickets and made it the third sellout of the season.
Xavier coach Sean Miller reported in the A-10's weekly conference call this morning that no decision had yet been made on the status of starting point guard Drew Lavender. Lavender sprained his left ankle in the game at Charlotte last week.
``We're going to play it smart,'' Miller said, adding that the team had to be concerned about other games down the road. However, Lavender was seen walking around with his teammates at the shootaround today and appeared to be moving without a problem.
URI coach Jim Baron said during the conference call that his team was preparing as if Lavender was going to play.
URI guard Jimmy Baron will answer projo.com readers' questions in a live chat today from 1 to 2 p.m. You can send in your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Jimmy answers them beginning at 1.
Following a week in which they lost at UMass and barely pulled out a win at Fordham, the Rhode Island Rams fell a little farther from the Top 25 today.
The Rams received 15 votes in the AP poll, putting them in 29th place overall and well below 25th-ranked St. Mary's, which has 204 votes. Last week, the Rams were the 28th-ranked team, with 89 votes.
URI got 21 votes in the ESPN/USA Today poll, placing them 29th there as well. The 25th-ranked team, Marquette, got 64 votes.
URI fans asked to 'pink out' Ryan Center for Xavier game
Journal photo / Glenn Osmundson
The scene at last season's Pink Out Night, when URI played UMass.
URI will be counting on fans to be a big source of support when they try to beat Atlantic 10-leading Xavier on Monday, Feb. 18. At the same time, many of the fans will also be supporting the battle against breast cancer. That's because it will be the second annual "Pink Out Night" at the Ryan Center, when fans are encouraged to wear pink clothing to show support for the cause and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Last year's Pink Out Night, which coincided with a URI win over UMass, raised $10,000.
Pink Out T-shirts and pink ribbon pins will be available for a $5 donation before and after the game. Click here for more information.
Will Daniels: Hi everyone - Will here. Just want to say hello before we get going with the chat. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by.
Rhodewarrior: Will, you guys are off to a great start- congrats! What are you guys doing to intensify your defense this year. There are a lot of open looks for other teams and with a deep bench what are the plans to get a March Ready defense in order?
Will Daniels: What's up RhodeWarrior - we need to keep preparing in practice for our opponents. Team defense requires helping each other out, talking on D, and that's what Coach B stresses.
AnthonyD: Will i went to red hook high school, i was a freshman when you were a senior and i remember you playing against greg nero and how everyone said that greg was better. You've obviously proved who was better. Im glad to see how much you've accomplished at rhode island and hopefully people from around here will get the chance to see you play in the NBA next year. Keep up the good work.
Will Daniels: AnthonyD - Greg is a good player and a friend and it was great playing with him during high school. It's good to see him having a lot of success over at Fairfield. I think Red Hook beat us all four years when I was at FDR, so thanks for not bringing that up.
PlayerNumber6: Will, Thanks for being part of this great team at URI. Your style of play has gotten you into foul trouble a couple of times this season. However, during the St. Bonaventure game, you and your team mates did an excellent job preventing this foul trouble. Have you been working on this aspect of your game with your team?
Will Daniels: Player6 - the better team defense we play, the easier it is for us to stay out of foul trouble. It's on all of us to do that. In the St. Bonaventure game, we did a better job of limiting penetration and keeping our man in front of us. That's what limited our foul trouble.
twisted3829: will awesome year so far. how does the team feel about the student support you are getting not only at games but around campus? Also how do you feel about being on ESPN2 and on national television?
Will Daniels: Twisted - thanks very much. We enjoy the student support and we're encouraging more to come out for the rest of the season. As far as the national attention, it's been great. But we need to keep up our success to remain in the national spotlight.
Bruce: Will: Congratulations on a great season to date! Two questions--first, tell us about your relationship with Coach Baron. Secondly, I noticed that, on some of your threes, you have a very flat arc and on others, the arc is much higher. Is that done on purpose? Good luck on the rest of the season.
Will Daniels: Bruce - Coach B and I have a great relationship. He is the main reason I chose Rhode Island four years ago and I enjoy playing for him. We've been through a lot together and it's helped our relationship grow. As for my jumper, I try to shoot with a high arc and sometimes it doesn't work out that way...
617RhodyFan: Hey Will, hope to see you onto bigger and better things both this year and for the rest of your playing career. Can you talk a little bit about the team's comfort level playing at the Ryan Center? Obviously it's very high with your record at home.
Will Daniels: 617 - We're very comfortable at home. Our fans do a great job of supporting us, which has a lot to do with it. We're very confident at home, which plays a key role in our home wins.
GandysFantasy: Will, first of all, congratulations on an outstanding URI career thus far. What would it mean to you, as a senior, to actually reach the NCAA Tournament. What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
Will Daniels: Gandy - it would mean a lot to me as a senior - as well as Parfait and Joe as seniors - to be able to make the NCAA tournament. We as a team take things one game at a time, but our primary goal is to reach the NCAA tournament and win it.
Brian: Hi Will. Which of your former teammates were especially heplful in your developement, both as a player and a leader? Thanks and good luck the rest of the way.
Will Daniels: Brian - All of my former teammates have helped me along the way. But two stick out in my mind: Dawan Robinson and Randy Brooks. Dawan taught me about leading by example and Randy has taught me more about playing at the Division I level and how to be more of a vocal leader.
section104: Will, It's been awesome to see you mature over the years. How was your experience at the Lebron camp this past summer? Do you see it helping your draft status come draft time?
Will Daniels: 104 - it was a great experience to be at the LeBron camp and play amongst some elite college players - Jon Scheyer from Duke, KC Rivers from Clemson, Scottie Reynolds from Nova and Jason Thompson at Rider. LeBron playing with/against us also helped. A camp like that can only help you in the long run.
URIGONZO: Hi Will, As a team leader is it difficult to get the team up and ready during A-10 play?? It seems like URI now has a target on its back and every game from here on out will be a tough one, especially road wins. Personally I feel a huge burden lies on your chest as the team leader to not only get yourself ready for these tough games night in and night out, but you must also make sure your teamates are ready to rumble.
Will Daniels: Gonzo - no, it's not difficult to get the team up for A-10 play. The entire team is determined and motivated and knows what it's going to take to achieve our goals.
keaney blue: Hey Will congrats on a great start this season. On the same lines as PlayerNumber6, it looks like GW had everything going at you in an attempt to get you into foul trouble. Did you get that feeling?
Will Daniels: keaneyblue - GW is an aggressive team that attacks a lot. So it's easy to get called for cheap fouls. We've been working in practice on doing a better job with team defense, which should help with that problem.
RHODY 09: Will, congrats on the great season so far. What do you guys plan to do differently on Saturday to prepare for the big rematch against Dayton?
Will Daniels: Rhody09 - I think we have to play better defense than we did out there. Do a better job containing and contesting shots, and limiting their strength as a team. Dayton is one of the best teams in the league and we need to bring it on Saturday.
RhodyFanForLife: You’ve improved every year since you’ve been at Rhode Island, going from a skinny freshman to one of the top players in the league. What has helped you improve over the years?
Will Daniels: RhodyFanforLife - I dedicated myself to lifting weights and working out. I also make sure I get my time in the gym to get shots up and practice. Experience has a lot to do with it, because you know what to expect every season.
drose: You guys have taken over as "the team" in Rhode Island. How important was the victory over Providence to you and to the rest of the team?
Will Daniels: drose - It was an important win because it's an in-state rivalry game and it meant a lot to us and our fans. It's always good to beat a team in the Big East, which gets a lot of national exposure.
Sam Worthen: Alright, alright. Will you are having a great season. Who is your favorite pro player?
Will Daniels: Sudden Sam - I don't have one favorite pro, but I like different aspects of different players games. I like Kobe's leadership, how a guy like LeBron dominates but keeps his teammates involved. Kevin Garnett has a warrior's determination.
URIHoopsFan: Hi Will, what has been the most memorable game in your Rhode Island career?
Will Daniels: URIHoopsfan - Wow...good question. I'd have to say the win at Syracuse this year because it showed how hard we had to fight through adversity, nobody expected us to win against a program like Syracuse in an arena like the Carrier Dome that had 22,000 Orange fans. It was the third Big East team we beat this year, so we celebrated in the locker room after the win which made it even more special.
GandysFantasy: have you ever met some of the ram greats from the past - cat mobley, tyson, sly, lamar etc
Will Daniels: Gandy - I know Tyson, he plays with us in the offseason. I've always been a fan of and wanted to meet Cuttino Mobley and Lamar Odom. Hopefully I'll get the chance someday.
URIHoopsFan: Will, why do you wear #25?
Will Daniels: URIHoopsfan - My two favorite numbers are 21 and 5, and when I got here, Scott Hazleton had 21 and Dawan had 5, so I picked 25 to compliment them both.
redfoxes2005: As a long time season ticket holder I just want to let you know how much enjoyment the team has provided this season. Games are so much fun that I hope we get to see many more this season (post season too !!) My question to you is what is a typical game day like for you. What do you do and how do you prepare for that nights game. Thanks and continued success the rest of the way. GO RHODY !!
Will Daniels: redfoxes - We have the same routine on every gameday. Shootaround is very important, pre-game meal is important but the most important thing is getting a good amount of rest before the game.
GandysFantasy: Will, let's have a prediction - Giants vs Pats?
Will Daniels: Gandy - Pats win, but it'll be close.
marc: Hey Will, great year so far. How do you and the team feel about the upcoming dayton game?
Will Daniels: marc - We play Richmond tomorrow night. That's our only focus - one game at a time.
Bruce: Will: Of all the A-10 arenas, which is your favorite to play in (beside the Ryan Center, of course) and which is your least favorite to play in?
Will Daniels: Bruce - My favorite road arena is Xavier, even though the fans get on you the whole time, it's a great atmosphere to play a game. I don't have a least favorite.
Chris: Will, I graduated in 2006 and miss making it to every game as I once did. Was it disappointing getting dropped from the top 25..and is that extra motivation for you and the team?
Will Daniels: Chris - yes, it was disappointing to drop from the top 25 polls. But it is extra motivation for the team to work harder and try to get back in.
thatdamram1: will, i really like the focus that this team has. what do you do as an individual to keep your focus, any superstitions?
Will Daniels: thatdamram - I remember our team goals whenever I start to lose focus. I realize that bad things can happen whenever you start to lose focus. As senior leaders, myself, Parfait and Joe have to be the most focused on the team - there's no next year for us. I don't have any superstitions.
Rhody74: Hi Will .... the team seems to be especially close this year. Is that true? If so, how important is that to your team's success?
Will Daniels: Rhody74 - Good question. The team is closer this year than in years past. It plays a lot in our success and our motto this year is "brotherhood" and to treat every individual on the team like a brother.
Sam Worthen: Alright, alright. With the A10 having a great season, how many teams do you see dancing in March (besides the mighty Rams)?
Will Daniels: Sam - I think that the league is as tough as it's ever been in my four years here. I expect there to be a good number of teams happy on selection sunday. We're working hard, every day, to make sure we're one of them.
Rhodewarrior: outside of yourself who do you find to be the best player in the A-10?
Will Daniels: Rhodewarrior - I'd say Brian Roberts from Dayton, my boy Ahmad Nivins from St. Joe's, Gary Forbes at UMass, Dionte Christmas at Temple is really good. And there are many others. The A-10 has a lot of good players.
GandysFantasy: Will, you committed to URI over 4 years ago. Have your expectations been met, here in Kingston? How good has the "URI experience" been for you?
Will Daniels: Gandy - The URI experience has been great. I established a lot of relationships with many people and it's helped me mature as a man. Coach B preached it before I got here, and pretty much every day since, about the importance of earning your degree and graduating. I'm proud to be on track to graduate in May.
thatdamram1: will, who is the guy that you would least like to play "horse" with on this team?
Will Daniels: thatdamram - Jimmy. No question.
RHODY 09: Will, you are obviously a huge powerhouse within the team's dynamic on the court, both with your playing and leadership abilities. Who do you see stepping up next year to take over this role?
Will Daniels: Rhody09 - With me, Parfait and Joe moving on, I see Jimmy and Kahiem stepping into a senior leadership role. They're already leaders on the team, and that should continue into next year.
Will Daniels: It's getting close to wrap up time, so I'll take one or two more questions.
Rhodewarrior: Whose idea was it to put that slogan on the back of uniforms. While self explanatory in nature what exactly is the genesis and what is it that you believe in?
Will Daniels: RhodeWarrior - "Together We Believe" came from Kahiem Seawright. It basically means that as a team, if we want to achieve our goals, we have to do it together.
uri07: Will, when you started here as a freshman I could see and told everyone that you would end up a big time player at URI. Early on with the team struggling the first few years did you ever feel like it wasn't going to happen here
Will Daniels: URI07 - When I joined the URI program, I always had confidence that we would be a good team and establish ourselves. With hard work, dedication, and believing in ourselves, we've become a team to reckoned with.
Will Daniels: Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat. I had fun talking with you all and I hope you continue to support our team. Don't forget that Parfait will be chatting on Thursday as well (on ESPN.com) - be sure to ask him some tough questions! Go Rhody!
The Rhode Island Rams' senior star Will Daniels will be available to answer projo.com readers' questions in a live chat today at noon. You can send questions in ahead of time: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you do not need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, do not press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Will answers them.
Talk college hoops Tuesday with URI's Will Daniels
The Rhode Island Rams' senior star Will Daniels will be available to answer projo.com readers' questions in a live chat on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at noon. You can send questions in ahead of time: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you do not need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, do not press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Will answers them on Tuesday.
Multimedia: Paul Kenyon previews URI-George Washington
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Paul Kenyon previews the Rams game tonight against the Colonials; it's at 7 at the Ryan Center, and you'll be able to see it on Cox 3.
Erik Murphy, the 6-10 South Kingstown native who is starring at St. Mark's in Massachusetts, has committed to play for Billy Donovan at Florida. Murphy is a junior in prep school and won't join the Gators until the fall of 2009.
Murphy is regarded as one of the top 50 juniors in the country. He chose Florida over Duke with Boston College, Marquette, Virginia, Ohio State and UConn also among his final seven. Florida is the two-time defending national champion and Donovan has sent a slew of his players to the NBA over the last half dozen years.
Murphy, who is 6-10 and 220 pounds, had told reporters and scouts that he wouldn't make a college choice until after his prep school season, at the earliest. BC, where his father Jay starred in the early-80's, was considered the early favorite but when Florida and Duke joined the chase the stakes changed. Murphy visited Florida for a football game in the fall and came away wowed. He had never officially visited Duke but Mike Krzyzewski came to watch him play last month and offered a scholarship.
Kevin McNamara: Hello college hoops fans. Just left the TV where George Mitchell is going on and on about his steroids report. Needless to say, spending an hour with you folks is more enjoyable. Keep the questions coming. We have about a half dozen in the Q right now.
THL: Good afternoon. During the last chat I asked about the field for next year's Annaheim Classic. You told me that you would check on it. Were you successful?
Kevin McNamara: I am sorry but I have not checked. I promise to follow up on that and get the teams in the paper this week. Thanks for reminding me.
Friar Rob: Kevin, thanks for your terrific coverage of college hoops. Keep up the good work. What is the story with Curry redshirting this season? I thought the decision had to be made before the USF game?
Kevin McNamara: Thanks for the kind words. I do not feel Curry will play this year. With 14 regular season games remaining, I don’t see it as a wise choice for Sharaud to make a comeback. Will he get to close to 100 percent by the end of this season, or perhaps by Feb. 1? I believe he will. But I do not feel playing in 10-12 games helps his future or the teams at this point. He has not practiced at all and just getting him up to game speed and integrating him into the lineup doesn’t make sense to me.
As for the redshirting issue, the act of applying for a redshirt doesn’t occur until a player needs one. In this case, Curry would not have to apply for one until after NEXT season. He has one year of eligibility left that he will use next season. Then he can apply for a fifth year, which he undoubtedly would get. Tim Welsh has taken the stance that there is nothing to talk about with Curry until he is healthy enough to at least practice. We are not there yet. However, I can certainly see the writing on the wall
terwilliger: Kevin Re the foul shots at the end of the uri game sunday. Once the official has awarded a foul shot to a player and he shoots it, doesn't it have to stay in the books? Suppose Jimmy Baron had missed that first shot (one and one-8th team foul), would the URI coach have had the privilege of getting the call switched to Kareem after Duquense scored (potentially) a game winning hoop? (Remember Tyus Edney from UCLA?). It seemed bizarre, and it might be important next time. In my mind the call is akin to a baseball appeal.. Once the next pitch is made (in this case once the foul shot is taken) there is no appeal. The Dukes coach cleverly earned himself two options. In other words two players had to make the same shot!
Kevin McNamara: Good question. The rules do not state that you can't wipe off a foul shot. The officials are obliged, however, to make sure the correct shooter goes to the line. That was the error that the refs corrected. The scenario you bring up is an excellent one. If Baron misses and the Dukes go down and score can URI say the wrong shooter was at the line. I guess they could but since Coach Baron thought jimmy was the one who was fouled, that would not have happened. I will ask on official that one and get back to you. Excellent question.
GoRhodyMA: Kevin - which St. Louis will show up on Thursday, the one that took Dayton to overtime or the one that scored 20 pts vs. GW?
Kevin McNamara: I am willing to give SLU the benefit of the doubt and say they will play tough at home against the Rams. Scoring 20 points in a game is just bizarre, to say the least. The Billikens are better than that, but not very good. They must try to slow the tempo against URI and will certainly do that. I don't see Rick Majerus' best attempts as being good enough. Give the Rams another hard-fought win and a needed road victory. BTW, Dayton's injury to Chris Wright is a major one fo the Flyers. They will be in trouble the next two games, hosting Umass and going to Xavier.
hoop fan: Kevin- Sunday night Len Robbins on the Big East show on SNY said PC was one of the 3 hardest jobs along with South Florida and Seton Hall. He also along with the moderator said PC was lucky to have Welsh. Your thoughts?
Kevin McNamara: First of all, I respect Lenn Robbins a lot. He’s a close friend and we’ve talked about these subjects a lot. The question of which is the hardest job in the Big East is a good one. I think everyone would agree that South Florida tops the list. It’s a football school in a football state, although Billy Donovan has showed that all things are possible and the plethora of talent in the state give Stan Heath a fighting chance, for sure. I also agree that Seton Hall is a tougher job than Providence. The move out of the Meadowlands was a huge positive for the Pirates but moving into a similar sized building (18,500) still is not what college teams need. Not playing on campus hurts all of the Catholic schools very badly and is the reason why Villanova is ahead of the game in that regard. Now which is the third hardest job? Providence looks like it to me. St. John’s would be right after PC but I feel the Red Storm is a good recruiting class away from getting back into the top half of the Big East. Whether the current head coach can deliver that is another question.
PC lacks a lot of things other schools in the league take for granted. The biggest is recruiting ability. Look at the long history of PC hoops. They do it with under-the-radar kids, not studs. Best example is the fact that two high-major kids are in Rhode Island right now: Erik Murphy and Mike Marra. I’d be surprised if PC gets either one. Murphy has 7 schools and PC isn’t one of them. That tells me a lot and it isn’t good.
Is PC lucky to have Tim Welsh? I think PC’s ability to win in the New Big East is unclear right now. This isn’t the league Rick Pitino and Rick Barnes faced. It’s much better and more challenging. Is Welsh the coach to keep PC in the top 6-10 every year in that environment? I am not convinced. This year and next, with a veteran team, will answer that question. Many Big East people feel that the results Welsh has delivered at PC are about what the school should expect. Which Big East jobs do you see as tougher than PC?
Analyst: Kevin - can Brown which lives and dies with the 3 beat out a much more athletic Cornell and a comparable Yale for the League title or will there be too many nites when both McAndrew and Huffman are off to win the12 games it will take to win the title? Have you noticed that is is rare when both of them score 20 or more together (is that a psychological/ sibling rivalry thing)?
Kevin McNamara: I am high on Brown. I think Craig Robinson is doing an excellent job with a team that lacks an awful lot of answers. Obviously, the Bears cannot have a game where Mark McAndrew and Damon Huffman both struggle shooting the ball. Can 1 be good and the other shaky? That wouldn't be good either. I think the good news is the league will be wide open enough for you to stub your toe 2-3 times. I see 11-3 as a Ivy title-winning record. Brown is at Yale Saturday. Needless to say, that is a very big game. The good news is the Bears have played so well on the road this season that I'm sure they are looking forward to the trip.
THL: At this stage of the season have you changed your mind on where the Friars will finish in the BE? An extension of that Q is do you think they will make the Big Dance...and if not, does TW get fired?
Kevin McNamara: I do not think that making the NCAA's is an all-or-nothing proposition for Tim Welsh's future at PC. I feel it should not be. Bob Driscoll has publicly stated that he wants to see continued improvement from the team this season. The loss of Sharaud Curry to injury certainly should be considered and will be. I see the Friars as a 2nd tier Big East team that can still make an NIT-NCAA run but also will have trouble making the Big East Tournament, if you can believe that statement. The difference between 7-8th place and 12th place will be very slim in this conference. I see the Friars fitting in that spot. Obviously, the teams that play with the most consistency will be the ones that qualify for New York and be in position to go to the NIT/NCAA.
joey the ram fan: hi kevin great job with all the info... i know rhody has some decent guys locked up for next year with orion outerbridge and the 5-7 point guard from mass... any others of note and pc is losing only burch so what does the freshman class consist of????
Kevin McNamara: The URI recruiting class holds excellent promise. You mentioned Outerbridge, who is talented but a bit of a project, and Stevie Mejia, who will compete with Marquis Jones for PG playing time. The Rams also like Ryan Brooks, a long 6-8 forward who has played very well in S. Jersey; Canadian athlete Randy Dezourve; and Jamal Wilson, a big-time athlete from Philly. Getting them all academically qualifed is now the focus.
Kevin McNamara: PC has one signee ro replace Burch. They could sign another player for 2008 and the staff is looking at PG and a big man.
ramfan: Kev- you do a great job for both pc and uri, especially for a Cuse grad! thanks, any thoughts on the Friars playing Kale, Hanke and Mcdermott together? with 5 guards rotating, and Hall and Peterson backing up the 3 front spots it could give the friars some size and strength while still keeping the offense flowing and some pressure D out front.
Kevin McNamara: You mentioned virtually everyone on the roster in the frontcourt and that's probably who'll you see play. Tim Welsh clearly likes to use his bench this season and thinks the depth can be a factor. I know that McDermott/Hanke do tire and that's hurt the Friars in the past. If they can get something out of Greedy/Kale/Hall every game, they'll be better for it. Playing McDermott/Hanke/Kale together is not the team's best defensive lineup, by a long shot. I don;t think you'll see that often at all.
terwilliger: Thanks Kevin (re uri foul shooter)I still think that coach Everhart got a two for one special. He must have brought his CVS card to the RYAN center.
Kevin McNamara: I know that CVS is big in Pittsburgh, too. Wouldn't be surprised if Coach Ron is a card-carrier.
mjsback04@hotmail.com: In 2002-03 and 2003-04 PC had the following players: Kabba, McGrath, Douthit, Sanders, Gomes, Augustin, Mills, and Hill. In those two years, PC had as much talent as anyone in the country yet they did not win a tournament game. Do you agree with this assessment? Can you do a where are they now segment on former PC players?
Kevin McNamara: I do not agree with that assessment at all. As much talent as anyone in the country? How about as much talent as anyone in the Northeast! I'd say Boston College (Craig Smith, Jared Dudley, Sean Williams) had more. PC fans always overrate their talent and that's the case this year, too. That PC group has one sure-fire pro (Ryan Gomes) and a fringe one (MDouthit). That's fair talent, not a lot. They needed more, clearly, to make a deeper run in the NCAA's. Now should that team in 2003 have beaten Pacific? Yes. Wonder how that win would change people's perception of the program. By the way, that team would face long, long odds in its second round game: versus Kansas in Kansas City.
chris: Can and will URI go 4-0 leading up to the Dayton rematch? URI has given up too many points vs Dayton and Duquesne compared to previous games...what will they need to do to solidify the defense?
Kevin McNamara: URI's next 4 are at St. Louis, home to GWashington, at the Bonnies and home vs. Richmond. You could say this is the `easiest' stretch of the A-10 season but going on the road twice is never easy. I do agree that Rhody will win all four and host Dayton at 5-1 in the league. The best defense for this team is either better offense or defensive rebounding. They aren't built to be a lock-down defensive team. It's just the way it is. Doing a better job off the defensive boards is key.
GoRhodeIslandURI: Kevin, ESPN Bracket logy has URI a 6 Seed. If/when Rhody makes the Tourney what do you think their seed will be? Also ESPN has PC out do you think PC can make the dance?
Kevin McNamara: As a 6 seed, that means the Rams are one the 20-24 line in the field. Sounds about right. The Rams have a strong RPI and need additional road wins over good teams to solidify their place both in the NCAA field and as a top 5-6 seed. Remember this: URI will face an absolute killer 1st round game in the NCAA unless it someone finds its way into a top four seed, which looks like a stretch. Even then, a 4 plays a 13 seed and those teams are dangerous. So 5 seed, 6 seed, 7 seed. Doesn't matter much. What you want to avoid is a 2nd round matchup against a 1-2 seed.
ramfan: Kev- last question for this week. Coach Baron seems far more creative this year. Can the rams win the A-10 and make a run in the tourney?
Kevin McNamara: Certainly can. Their offensive ability makes them a very dangerous team. Looks around the country at plenty of teams that struggle to score (Michigan State, for one). That will not be a problem for the Rams, almost no matter who they play. Defense and rebounding are the keys for URI to make any kind of a post-season run.
THL: Recruiting----Kevin, with TW's status up in the air, how do you look at current recruiting for the very important 2009 class?
Kevin McNamara: I think it is hard for any recruit to commit to PC without the school commiting to its coach. It's that simple. And, yes, the class of 2009 is a very, very important one if the Friars don't want to take a big-time dip after the McDermott/Hanke/Efejuku/Xavier/Curry/Kale class leaves after next season.
terwilliger: thanks Kevin Coach Baron is the definition of integrity but in theory he could have created that scenario. How loudly would coach Everhart have yelled if Jimmy missed the shot? Ans. not at all! And, how distracted could he have possibly been at that moment (and his assts). not to see that it was Jimmy shooting. I think that he got two for one. It was a great game!
Kevin McNamara: It was a great game. One of the best I've seen this year. You can go `round and `round with the end of the game scenario in that one. Enjoy the spinning!
Kevin McNamara: Almost set to wrap things up guys. Fire away any late 3-pointers.
I HATE PC: will Will Daniels win A-10 player of the year? Or is that Roberts award to lose?
Kevin McNamara: Will Daniels can certainly win the PofY award in the A-10. Roberts has played very well but if the Rams beat Dayton in two weeks and go on to finish 1 or 2 in the conference, I can't see where Will can't be the choice. He's having an outstanding senior season.
ernieDwannabe: Kevin. there are a number of good RI players outside of Marra and Murphy- Can URI or PC help Jerrell Gomes through Juco to the big time, and what about Bruce Sobers in WestWarwick (a GeoffMcdermott clone!)
Kevin McNamara: I hear good things about Gomes and Sobers, although they may not be D-1 prospects. I haven't seen either myself so I don't want to say that for sure. I know that both PC and URI monitor the locals and have AAU ties in Rhode Island. Marra and Murphy, however, are a cut above.
rhody22: Kevin, Baron uses Cothran at the point sometimes. Do you think he can handle those duties?
Kevin McNamara: Keith is an interesting player. I'd say he's a developing offensive player without a true position. A combo, for sure. Defensively, he's as good as you're going to find. I'll take him on my team and over time he has a chance to be very, very good.
rf321: How good is Jeff Xavier ?
Kevin McNamara: Jeff X is very good. A better deep shooter than I realized and PC's fiercest defender. He needs to keep being a stronger leader and shake up a few teammates who don't play as hard as he does. He is another guard I'll happily take on my team.
I HATE PC: How many teams have a better 1-2 scoring punch then URI's dynamic duo of Jimmy Baron and Will Daniels?
Kevin McNamara: Not many. I think that's pretty clear. Don't see another one in the entire A-10.
THL: Bilal Dixon is having a great HS season...can he be an impact player on this Friar team as a freshman....and Thanks for your time today.
Kevin McNamara: Hearing good things on Bilal. Next year he'll have to beat out Hanke, Hall and Kale for playing time. Tough to do.
Kevin McNamara: That's all folks. I'll be back in this forum in a week or two. You can always forward questions to us and either myself or Paul Kenyon will answer them for you. Take care.
The Rhode Island Rams have fallen one place in both the AP writers poll and the ESPN coaches poll, but last week's loss to Dayton did not relegate them to the realm of the unranked.
URI is 23rd in the latest AP poll, down from 22nd last week, and 21st in the coaches poll, down from 20th.
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Paul Kenyon previews the Rams huge conference opener out in Ohio. You won't want to miss this one.
Paul Kenyon: Hi everyone. Mike McDermott has set up our chat today to have me here in the office on the way to the airport. I'm ready to go, so let's get right into it.
Firm: Pal- this is the deepest Rhody team I have seen in my years of following the program. Do you agree with this assessment? Also, do you see Delroy James breaking into Coach Baron's rotation and mking a contribution this year? What can we expect from this newcomer?
Paul Kenyon: I agree with your first point Firm, about the depth. I don’t think there is any doubt this is the deepest URI team in years, if not ever.
When Al Skinner was at URI, it was his preference to have a smaller rotation, a preference he still relies on. Al wanted seven guys he could depend on. He made them his guys and he stayed with them. There were many years in which URI did not even fill the scholarship limit, by choice.
Jim Baron is doing things differently right now, in part because of the style of play he is using. He feels he needs more bodies to be able to push the pace as much as he wants to. He wants to go as deep as possible. The good news is that the roster allows him to do so. The nine-man rotation he has used all year has worked nicely. Every guy has contributed.
And now, as you point out, there is a 10th guy ready to help, too. I definitely think Delroy James will become a factor. It might not happen right away, but it will happen.
I got to see a couple practices before last season began when Delroy was allowed to work with the team.
At that point, he was very much ready to be part of the regular rotation. After missing so a year and a half he needs time to get back in the swing of things. But as everyone saw in the FDU game, he is on his way. He will help this year and be a very significant factor over the next three years.
Ethan, South Kingstown: Paul, two friends and I are driving out to the Dayton game from Kingston.
How will URI handle the vociferous Flyer fans?
With so few Rhody Rowdies on hand, what (if anything) will the Rams have to do differently to recreate their road success at the Carrier Dome?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Ethan. Drive safely, please. It’s great to hear that some people are excited enough about the team to make the drive to Ohio.
I think you will enjoy the atmosphere in Dayton. Many of us feel it is the best in the Atlantic 10. You will stick out if you are not wearing something red.
I also think you will feel comfortable. I’ve found the fans in Dayton to be as civil as any around. It’s an older crowd, in large part, a crowd that respects good basketball.
While Dayton has won 24 of its last 26 games in the building, URI has won each of its last two games there. I remember the last-second shot by Dustin Hellenga to beat the Flyers a few years ago.
URI has played well on the road in the last two years. There is no reason to think that should change tomorrow night. We’ll all be disappointed if it is not another close game between two outstanding teams.
GandysFantasy: "Hello PK - URI hoops has come a very long way since the "Jerry! Jerry!! Jerry!!!" days, when complete pandemonium seemed to be the order of the day. Can you provide a perspective on how stable the program is today, versus the complete and utter destruction of the Harrick/Jerry D years? (PS - it's looking like a GREAT day to be on the links on Tuesday!!! That'll cure the RI winter-time blues!)"
Paul Kenyon: Hi Gandy. It is golf season somewhere. Rhode Islanders Brad Adamonis and Patrick Sheehan tee it up on the PGA Tour in Hawaii this week. And I’m betting Triggs, Montaup and Exeter will be doing some business back here this week, too.
But we can wait a bit on the golf. The basketball is too much fun right now. Your question about the stability of the program brings up what I think is the biggest reason of all URI fans should be excited.
You are correct that the stability is there, not just for this season, but for the next few years, as well. Even losing three key players after this year, there already is enough talent on the team to expect a solid, if not strong team, again next year.
The reports we are getting on this year’s recruits are very positive, too. Anyone who follows on Journal chat board has seen posters keeping everyone up to date on several of those players.
To make matters even better, the stability in the athletic department is as good as I’ve ever seen it. I had a conversation with Gregg Burke yesterday about work that is being done to get more students involved and how the student attendance has gone up markedly this year. The school is still putting together -- and selling -- ticket plans for the eight A-10 games, Burke said.
As we’ve seen over the last few days, the television situation is improving, too. I believe 10 of the next 12 games will be televised.
There really are many reasons for Rhody fans to be encouraged
GandysFantasy: Paul, I am of the opinion that the ProJo does a very good job covering the local and regional college hoops scen; mine apears to be a minority opinion. Between you and K-Mac, along with Billy Reynolds (who knows New England hoops history better than anyone), the ProJo provides the Ocean State with ample coverage, yet it's never enough for many delusional Rhody diehards. How do you respond to your many critics?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Gandy. Thanks for the kind words. We do appreciate the support.
Frankly, I feel strongly that you are correct, too. I’m kind of the third wheel when it comes to the basketball coverage here, so please let me speak about the other two. There is no other newspaper in New England, and very few in the country, that have a one-two punch like we have in Bill Reynolds and Kevin McNamara.
Bill Reynolds is simply as good as it gets when it comes to New England basketball. He literally wrote the book on the subject. No one knows the game, or cares about the game any more.
Kevin McNamara picked up the fever growing up in Coventry and has become one of the very best college basketball people in the country. With the Big East headquartered here in Rhode Island, Kevin has gotten to work with many of the best basketball people in the country, on and off the court. He does a great job not only with game coverage but with his Sunday round-ups.
There are reasons to criticize us here. But I would strongly defend the coverage the Journal gives college basketball.
TonyP: Hi Paul, you and I were at URI together with mutual friends but hereis my question. DO yuo know waht ever happened to John Fultz?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Tony. It’s nice to have another old guy here.
I remember seeing John Fultz make many, many shots. Today, most of them would count for three points, not two as they did then. I’m sorry I can’t help you, though. I don’t know about John's whereabouts. Sorry.
TonyP: Will URI win the conference?
Paul Kenyon: If someone forced me to pick the conference winner right now, Tony, I would have to stay with Xavier, the pre-season pick.
I guess that’s one of those picks for the program. The Musketeers’ have the program everyone else in the A-10 would like to copy. It really is a class program that is able to attract top quality players year in and year out.
As they’ve shown with their scoring explosion in their last three victories, twice going over 100 points with seven players scoring in double figures, they are very, very good again.
The good news is that they have more competition than ever. URI and Dayton, obviously, are going to give the Muskies everything they have. As I said in a chat here a couple weeks ago, I am very impressed with Massachusetts, too. I can’t wait to get to see Duquesne coming into the Ryan Center next week. It is the wild card in the race.
GandysFantasy: PK, you must be looking forward to the game in Dayton. What is the atmosphere like at that arena, and what can fair-weather fans learn from the Flyer Experience?
Paul Kenyon: For those who enjoy college basketball, I would heartily recommend seeing a game in the UD Arena.
You are right, Gandy, I am looking forward to seeing another game there. The place is different, almost a throwback. For those of us who are old enough to remember the 1960s and 1970s, it is almost like going back. My memories of those days are that crowds went more to enjoy the game and root for their team than root against the opponents. The atmosphere was fun. There was no profanity, less booing of officials and coaches. It was just a fun thing to do.
That’s the way it still is in Dayton. While there is good student support, the building is so big, seating over 13,000, that the crowd is older. It is more pleasant than is some arenas. The fans have seen great basketball for more than 40 years in the city and they seem to appreciate good play from both sides.
I’m going to quote Jimmy Baron in tomorrow’s pre-game story saying ``the atmosphere in Dayton is second to none.’’ As far as the A-10 is concerned, I couldn’t agree any more strongly.
South County: Paul, what does Rhody have to do to get tapped for NCAA this year?
Paul Kenyon: Hi South. Want to talk magic numbers even before conference play begins?
Why not? Let me throw one up. I’ll go with 25.
If URI has 24 victories on Selection Sunday it will be worried only about where it will play in the NCAA Tournament, not whether it will be invited to the dance.
The 14 victories and great RPI rating -- I believe it is at 17 now -- makes it possible to look ahead. Let’s say the Rams go 10-6 in the conference to get to 24 victories and tie for third in the conference. That gives them a first-round bye and then they win their quarterfinal game in the A-10 tournament to get to 25 victories.
The view from here is that they would still be in the 30s in the RPI at that stage, especially if the wins included one or two against the other contenders. All victories beyond 25 would be simply getting themselves a higher seed.
rhodyrudder: Hi Paul. Thanks again for doing the chat and for your coverage of the Rams. I want to ask about Rhody's home court advantage at the Ryan Center. The atmosphere for the PC game was as good as I've seen in any arena for college basketball. Do you think they will be able to get crowds of 7000 or more, and can they run the table at home?...Also, a quick question regarding the game tomorrow. You mentioned that it would be on channel 64. Is this the local Fox affiliate, or is it #64 on the Cox cable, which currently is not showing any programming at all? I can't even turn to it.
Paul Kenyon: Hi Rudder. Let’s do the last part first. The Cox Communications people tell me that it is Channel 64 on your television, not the local Fox affiliate. I think it’s great everyone did so much work to get the game on.
As for the Ryan Center atmosphere, I’ve spent so much time here today complimenting Dayton and Xavier, I’m glad you asked about the Ryan Center. URI fans have reason to be proud of the building and they have turned it into a major boost for the program. Having students sit so close to the action makes it fun. At times, some students might have gotten a bit carried away. But security guards now are stationed neat the visiting bench and those who get rowdy are kicked out of the building. That’s happened at least a couple times in the last two years, which makes it better for everyone.
I mentioned earlier that I spoke to Gregg Burke, the deputy AD yesterday. One of the subjects he touched on is work he is doing to increase attendance. Ticket plans are now available for A-10 games only, plans that would allow a fan to have the same seat for all remaining games. Gregg told me about the student group he has organized to give him advice and suggestions. Already, more student tickets have been distributed than in the entire 2004-05. Hopefully, I’ll get to tell everyone more about that in the next couple weeks.
The part about being unbeaten at home is asking a lot? If the Rams can sweep a home schedule that includes visits from Dayton, Xavier, Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s, they will truly have a season to remember. That’s a tall order and one I would doubt the team could pull off.
GandysFantasy: Paul, did you ever think you'd see a building as grand as the Ryan Center hosting URI basketball games? Does it need any improvements (other than more fans!)?
Paul Kenyon: Let me relate one quick story about one of my first visits to the Ryan Center.
I gave myself a little tour from top to bottom to see what the facility was like. As I’m finishing, I ran into a couple people I know who had been just ahead of me. They had finished doing the same thing.
One of them looked at me and his first words were, ``Can you believe how nice this place is?’’
It is one of those reactions that made two points. First it was that the planners _ and Ron Petro deserves the most credit on the design. It will be his most long lasting legacy to the school _ really did a great job. It is a facility to be proud of, a great place to watch a game.
The second point was more a Rhode Island thing. It seemed as if he was saying he was so accustomed to having things go wrong. His reaction was like, ``We really did this one right.’’
I wholeheartedly agree.
The one constant problem since day one is the sound system. When I arrived for the FDU game workers were trying to deal with the sound system to make it better. There are parts of the building where the sound simply does not travel well.
TonyP: Paul I now work at U of Florida where of course the program is on the rebound after a few great years. THe question is will URI ever be able to compete on the level of a UF/Tenn?KY level?
Paul Kenyon: Tony, we can’t get too carried away here.
The quick answer to your question is that you are looking at the view from the top. There is no way in the world a URI can compete on a regular basis with a Florida. Anyone who visits the facilities, who sees the budgets, who sees the fan support, knows it is simply impossible.
But as we are seeing this year, it is very possible for URI to compete at a high level, if no the highest level. We’ve spoken here today about the Ryan Center, the increasing fan support. The pieces are there for URI to be very good at its level. And that level can include being a top 25 team in basketball.
Paul Kenyon: That's it for today everyone. Sorry I couldn't get to everyone's questions. I enjoyed it. It's off to the airport.
College basketball writer Paul Kenyon will take questions from projo.com readers in a live chat today at 11 a.m., just before he boards a plane on his way to cover tomorrow's URI-Dayton game. The chat will last about an hour. You can submit your questions about URI basketball now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, pick a display name and enter the college hoops chat room (you do not have to enter a password; do not check "enter as member"). Type in your question -- remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought -- and Paul will see them when he enters the room. Questions will display as he answers them.
The Rhode Island Rams have moved from number 23 to number 22 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. The Rams easily defeated Fairleigh Dickinson in their only game since the last poll was released. Their next game is Wednesday night against 17th-ranked Dayton, which moved up from number 20 in last week's poll.
This is the Rams' third consecutive week in the national rankings.
Rhode Island is 20th in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll, up from number 22 last week.
Also this week, Xavier made it three Atlantic 10 teams in the Top 25, as the Musketeers reached number 24.
North Carolina remains the top-ranked team in the country in both polls, followed by Memphis, Kansas, Washington State and UCLA.
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Coach Jim Baron yells instructions to Will Daniels in the first half tonight. We'll have a slideshow from the game tomorrow at projosports.
The second half became play time for URI as it pulled away to a 94-63 rout over Fairleigh Dickinson.
After a slow start in which they trialed 19-16, the Rams took total control, hitting 23 of 33 shots from the field in the middle of the game and taking total control.
JImmy Baron led the way with 22 points, including 6-of-8 3-pointers. Lamonte Ulmer was the guy who provided the spark that got the Rams going. He finished with 13 points, including a couple dunks.
Kahiem Seawright added 12, Will Daniels 10 and newcomer Delroy James 10. Manny Ubilla of FDU set a Ryan Center record with 39 points. Click here to see the box score.
Audio slideshow: Paul Kenyon previews URI vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
Paul Kenyon took some time this morning to talk about the Rams' game tonight against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights. While URI-FDU might not sound like much of a rivalry (actually it isn't at all), Paul notes that the last time these two teams played, it changed the course of Rams basketball. Click the play button below to see and hear the show.
AP photo / Michael Zamora
Will Daniels and Marquis Jones battle Georgia Southern's Johntavius Rucker for a rebound on Saturday night in Corpus Christi, Texas.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) - Will Daniels scored a season-high 28 points and No. 25 Rhode Island beat Georgia Southern 85-80 Saturday night for the Islander Invitational championship.
The uptempo Rams (13-1), off to their best start since 1946-47, had four other players score in double figures. Kahiem Seawright had 13 points, Ulmer Lamonte and Bitee Parfait scored 11 apiece and Jimmy Baron finished with 10. Lamonte also had 10 rebounds.
Rhode Island won its first two games after entering The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1998-99, when the Rams promptly lost their first two after joining the rankings.
Matt Fields led Georgia Southern (9-3) with 18 points, including 14 in the second half. Julian Allen had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Rhode Island nearly blew a 23-point first-half lead, allowing Georgia Southern to get within two at 76-74 with 2:37 remaining.
Daniels pushed the lead back to four with a layup, and Parfait Bitee made two free throws to make it 80-74.
Rhode Island took a 29-6 lead in the game's first 10 minutes as Georgia Southern hit just three of its first 21 shots from the field.
Journal photo / Glenn Osmundson
Will Daniels shoots over Darren Townes, center, and Greg Washington in the second half of today's game at the Ryan Center.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN (AP) - Will Daniels scored 22 points and had 16 rebounds as Rhode Island beat Hofstra 88-69 on Saturday.
The Rams (11-1), off to their best start since the 1991-'92 season, also got 18 points and 13 rebounds from Kahiem Seawright and 14 points from Jimmy Baron. Daniels also had a team-high five assists.
Joe Mbang's two free throws with 9:22 left in the first half gave Rhode Island a 25-15 lead. After Hofstra (2-6) pulled within 34-27, the Rams closed the first half with a 13-2 run to take a 47-29 halftime lead.
Antoine Agudio, who came into the game leading Division I in scoring at 27.4 points per game, had 22 to lead the Pride. Charles Jenkins added 14 points.
URI took control in the first half and led the rest of the way as it topped Hofstra, 88-69, at the Ryan Center.
Will Daniels led the way with 22 points and a career high 16 rebounds. Kahiem Seawright also had a double-double 18 points and 13 boards. Jimmy Baron added 14 points and Keith Cothran 10. Cothran had all his points in the first half when he provided a huge spark in helping URI build a 47-29 lead.
Hofstra got as close at 12 in the second half. Antoine Agdio, the nation's leading scorer had 22 for the Pride, althogh only six in the first half.
There have been no big runs by either team in the second half here at the Ryan Center, which is good news for Rhode Island.
The Rams are on top, 64-47, with 11:35 left. Antoine Agudio, the Hofstra star who leads the nation in scoring, is doing his best to keep his team in it. He has nine second-half points and 15 in all.
Will Daniels leads URI with 17 points and 11 boards.
The URI basketball team just headed down the runway for the halftime break to rousing applause from the Ryan Center fans. It was well deserved.
Rhody leads Hofstra, 47-29. Any fears that the two-week exam break would kill the momentum the team had built with its 10-1 start proved to be needless.
The 47-point total is the second highest scoring first half of the season, to the 49 the team had against New Hampshire. What made it even more impressive is that the Rams made only three of 13 3-point attempts. But they also were 14 for 20 inside the arc.
Will Daniels has been outstanding with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Keith Cothran, once again, has been a huge factor off the bench. He has scored 10 points, but even more so has been flying all over the place on defense and forcing the game to be played at the breakneck pace URI loves.
Hofstra's Antoine Agudio, the national scoring leader, has been held to six points, with Parfait Bitee drawing most of the duty against him, with help from Cothran.
Hofstra has come willing to run along with Rhode Island this afternoon.
The Rams lead the Pride, 18-14, with 11:38 left in the first half. Kahiem Seawright has had three early hoops for URI, but he is on the bench now with two fouls.
Hofstra has shown some nice quickness with a three-guard lineup, but the Pride has early foul trouble. It already has been called for seven fouls. Antonie Agudio, the Hofstra guard who leads the nation in scoring, has only two point so far.
Finally, there is basketball again at the Ryan Center.
It feels as if it has been a long time between URI basketball games here, only because it has. Rhode Island last played a home game Dec. 4 when it beat Providence College, 77-60. Today, Hofstra is here.
The game might be a few minutes late. The Rhody women’s team is just now putting the finishes touches on a victory over Kent State. It is ahead, 74-50, with four minutes left.
The attractions in the men’s game include having the national scoring leader here. Hofstra’s Antoine Agudio enters with a 27.4 average.
For Rhody, the fun is just getting back into action after the long exam break. The Rams have a new player in uniform with Delroy James gaining his eligibility. The 6-foot-7 forward is wearing uniform No. 21.
James got off to an interesting start at his first practice Friday. Not surprisingly, he was the first player to arrive and dress. Soon after he got on the court, though, he realized he had forgotten something. He did not get taped. So he headed back to the locker room as freshman Hakim McCullar arrived and had the court for himself.
We will be back at regular intervals as the afternoon goes along.
Today's sports cover features the red-hot URI Rams, a team that is starting to get a lot of attention, even if they have fallen short of the Top 25. Also, Shalise Manza Young updates us on second-year wide receiver Chad Jackson, who is hoping to become a bigger part of the Patriots' game plan.
URI is off to a 10-1 start but that's not enough to crack the national polls. Both the media and coach's polls are out and while the Rams received notice in both, they fell short of the top 25. In the media poll the Rams garnered 41 votes and are the 31st team. The coaches gave URI 23 votes, good for 29th overall.
URI does not play this week due to exams. The Rams return to action Dec. 22 versus Hofstra.
Audio slideshow: Kevin McNamara previews URI at Syracuse
Kevin McNamara took some time this morning before flying to Syracuse to talk about Saturday's game between the Rams and the Orange at the Carrier Dome. Click the play button below to hear Kevin's comments, and see pictures of the two teams and their key players. Below the video player, you will find some excerpts from Kevin's comments about the game, which will be televised in Rhode Island on Cox at 7 p.m.
On the game: "It's a great test for Rhode Island. ... This would be the best team that Rhode Island will play -- potentially all year, but certainly thus far this year. Syracuse presents all sorts of issues for Rhode Island: great size -- they start a 6-9, 270-pound big man in Arinze Onuaku, who will be a major matchup problem -- and one of the best freshmen in the country, 6-10, 6-11 Donte Green, who kind of plays like Will Daniels. He wants to shoot jump shots but also can do a lot of damage inside."
On Syracuse's vulnerability: "This is one of Jim Boeheim's youngest teams. With the exception of Onuaku, who's a redshirt junior, and Eric Devendorf, who's a three-year starter (he's a junior as well), he doesn't have a lot of experience. Most of his best players are freshmen and sophomores, and the thing that comes last to kids like that is defense ... Syracuse did go on the road on Wednesday and win at Virginia for its best win of the season, and held Virginia to 68 points. So they're getting better."
Rhode Island's keys to victory: "They have to shoot the ball well. Rhode Island's lack of inside size will be exposed in a game like this; Syracuse's length and bulk inside is a real advantage for them. But Rhode Island neutralizes that with its offensive firepower. They have to come out and shoot, just like Massachusetts did [in its 107-100 victory at the Carrier Dome] ... Obviously they need huge games from their best players: Will Daniels, Jimmy Baron, Parfait Bitee, because Rhode Island -- they're going to try to outscore Syracuse."
Jim Baron made official tonight what has been unofficial for more than a month now: His URI basketball team is bringing in one of the school's biggest _ and most highly rated _ recruiting classes ever.
Five players, all of whom had verballed to URI earlier, have formally returned their national letters of intent, Baron reported.
The school, through the office of assistant athletic director Mike Laprey, just issued a release that follows. We will have more in the Journal tomorrow.
KINGSTON, R.I. -- Head coach Jim Baron announced that five student-athletes – Ryan Brooks, Randy Dezouvre, Stevie Mejia, Orion Outerbridge and Jamal Wilson - signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic endeavors at the University of Rhode Island for the 2008-09 academic year.
Rhody’s incoming five-man class was ranked as the 37th-best nationally, according to HoopScoop Online, while Scout.com picked it as it’s “sleeper” from around the country.
Brooks, a 6-8, 210 lb. forward, is finishing up his final prep season at Holy Spirit H.S. in Abescon, N.J. The Mays Landing, N.J. native averaged 22.0 points and 11 rebounds for head coach Jamie Gillespie last season as a junior. Brooks was an all-star at the Eastern Invitational and plays for the South Jersey Select AAU program. He is ranked among the top seniors in the Garden State, according to EKB Recruiting Service.
Dezouvre, a 6-4, 205 lb. guard, hails from Montreal, Quebec. In his final season at Champlain-St. Lambert, the athletic guard averaged a double-double with 14.5 points and 10.2 rebounds this past season for head coach John D’angelas. His efforts helped to lead the Cavaliers to the bronze medal at the 2007 Provincial Championship. He was also selected to play in the Nike Skills Academy Canada, held this past August.
Meija, a 5-8, 170 lb. guard, hails from Lawrence, Mass. and is completing his prep career at Lawrence Academy. Last season, the point guard averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 steals, helping Lawrence to a 28-3 overall record and the Class C New England Championship. He ranks ninth according to the New England Recruiting Report top players list. He was named the 2007 Independent School League Player of the Year by the Boston Globe. He was among the top 120 players in the country invited to the Reebok All-American Camp, held this past Summer in Philadelphia.
Outerbridge, a 6-9, 210 lb. forward, is a native of Boston and plays for head coach Peter Hutchins at New Hampton School in New Hampshire. A long, athletic post player, he averaged 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season, helping lead his squad to a 17-12 record. The New England Recruiting Report ranked Outerbridge ranked him 11th, while HoopScoop rated him as the 19th best fifth-year prep player nationally.
Wilson is a 6-5, 195 lb. shooting guard who plays for head coach Lonnie Lowry at Neumann-Goretti H.S. in Philadelphia, Pa. A strong outside shooter, Wilson averaged 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while helping guide his high school squad to the finals of the Philadelphia Catholic League championship. He attended the Reebok All-American Camp in Philadelphia and is a standout for the Team Philly AAU program.
A powerful surge by URI in the final minutes turned a nail biter into a runaway. The final was Rhody 92-72 over Northeastern.
Jimmy Baron and Parfait Bitee each had 17 points for the Rams but the big lift in the second-half came from the bench. Joe Mbang had 16 points and Keith Cothran 15.
The Rams, who are 7-1, host New Hampshire on Saturday afternoon.
The University of Rhode Island women's basketball team picked up a road win tonight at Central Connecticut State, 74-57, outscoring the Lady Blue Devils (0-6) by 20 points in the second half. URI (4-3) was led by Amanda McGrew, with 15 points. Click here to see the box score from projo Stats.
URI's next game is Saturday afternoon against Providence.
The University of Rhode Island women's basketball team beat Brown, 61-55, today in South Kingstown. The Rams (3-2) were led by Amanda McGrew's 15 points. Jaclyn Goldbarg scored 15 to lead Brown (0-5). Click here to see the box score from projo Stats.
URI's next game is Wednesday night at Central Connecticut State; Brown travels to Army, also on Wednesday night.
The game went back and forth for the last 11 minutes of the second half. BC didn't open much room until a Rakim Sanders 3-point shot made it 75-70 with 1:07 left. Will Daniels scored quickly for the Rams but a BC turnover with gave URI hope. However Keith Cothran missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and Shamari Spears made a free throw to make it 76-72 with 14 seconds left.
Sanders scored 21 points for BC while Tyrese Rice added 24. Daniels led URI with 25 points.
