A Close Look in at Ryan Preston - From Trinity Valley Community College to URI
With the use of their final scholarship, Dan Hurley and his coaching staff received the commitment of Brooklyn, New York native, Ryan Preston. With incoming class of 2017 recruit Daron Russell and Preston's arrival, there is an abundance of toughness that Dan Hurley has reigned in from Philadelphia and Brooklyn, respectively.
The 6'7", 230 pound forward played 31 games during his sophomore campaign, (all statistics) according to the official website of Trinity Valley Athletics. Throughout the 31 games, he played a total of 122 minutes, averaging 3.9 minutes per game. While averaging 8.6 points per game, he had a shooting percentage of 57.6% and a free throw shooting percentage of 62.5%. Clearly, shooting beyond the arc will be an area of improvement, as he shot 1 for 15 from distance during the 2016-2017 season.
On the boards, Preston is a monster and he can make an immediate impact to Dan Hurley's team. His average of 6.4 rebounds per game is quite remarkable, considering the playing time that he averaged. Of his 197 total rebounds, he brought down 75 offensive boards, which is a welcome sight for a Rhode Island team that likes to stretch the floor, drive hard in the lane, and crash the glass. In addition, Preston had 18 total personal fouls, including a single ejection that needs to be observed.
I have watched through all of the forward's game film on Hudl, which spanned his two seasons in community college. As written in an attendee's initial reactions article, he was bigger and stronger than the majority of his junior college opponents. Based on the footage, I see the potential with this talented athlete. On January 25, 2017, he exhibited the ability to defend from the perimeter all the way down versus Panola College. If he wants to stay on the floor for the Rhode Island Rams, his defensive abilities will need to flourish. Throughout all of his Hudl highlights, Preston's athleticism is apparent. The forward can fly to snatch rebounds and rattle the rim on his dunks. My interest is deeply rooted in his play versus Angelina College on March 9, 2017. During this particular game, he showed off his finishing ability, the capability to bring the ball up the court, and a solid mid-range jumper. All in all, the Trinity Valley CC alum can grow into a special player in his two seasons as a Rhode Island Ram.
Let's hope that Ryan Preston will be lifting more trophies in the near future, with a Rhode Island jersey on.
