How Well Did Dan Hurley Match My Scheduling Wishes?
On March 25, 2017, I published a list of the teams that I wanted to see on Rhody MBB's schedule for the 2017-2018 season, as well as the possibility of each one occurring. With Rhody MBB's schedule completed for the 2017-2018 season, I wanted to reflect on how many of those particular teams were scheduled and my corresponding reactions.
From the teams that I requested, URI has scheduled Florida Gulf Coast, Charleston, and UNC-Asheville (by NIT Tip-Off draw). Consequently, I am ecstatic about the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team finding a way to schedule these particular teams.
Looking at the other teams on Rhody MBB's 2017 non-conference schedule, I have expressed my approval about many of the teams that the Rams will be matching up with this season and next season, in some cases. No one saw the Rams deciding to schedule Alabama coming but I was ecstatic about that decision. As talented as Avery Johnson's team will be this season with Collin Sexton and John Petty, the Crimson Tide are beatable.
Moreover, in one of the most exciting matchups during all of college basketball's holiday tournaments, the Rams will matchup with Seton Hall in the first round and then get to play Virginia or Vanderbilt. URI's play in the 2017 NIT Season Tip-Off tournament has the potential to shape the rest of their regular season (and postseason).
On top of all of those quality aforementioned matchups, URI scheduled a home-and home series with the Nevada Wolfpack, a team that is set to compete on the national scale for the next two seasons that they play Dan Hurley's team. Additionally, Iona is a contender to win the MAAC this season so that is another team to keep an eye on, when they arrive to the Ryan Center.
As normal scheduling tradition follows, URI's men's basketball team will play against in-state rivals, Brown and Providence. Brown is an easy win that no one needs to worry about. Meanwhile, Providence is the thorn in URI's side that the Rams need to overcome this year, for several obvious reasons.
To nitpick and maintain my pessimism, I hate that URI has to play against Holy Cross this season. Oh, but don't worry because I have a full, in-depth article that I wrote on why I have a problem with them playing against the Crusaders. The article will be published in the future and believe me, you will not want to miss it for any reason. It does not help when you play a team that does not help your resume (if you win), can destroy your NCAA tournament resume (if you lose to them), and can result in one of your important players being injured in a meaningless game.
To Dan Hurley and staff, you have done well, very well.
