URI vs. Buffalo Preview - What Do I Want to See?
Going into Rhody MBB's charity exhibition on October 28, 2017, there are a handful of key points that I will be keeping my eyes on throughout the game.
1. Is E.C. Matthews officially over his torn ACL?
Time and time again, this is the number one question for Rhody MBB fans and the answer has fluctuated constantly. I want to see if the answer is blatantly in the positive direction for the Rams' #0 for good.
2. Who will take the reins at the point guard position?
Initially, Jarvis Garrett will be the starting point guard for Rhode Island men's basketball. With that said, Jeff Dowtin played well enough last season to warrant the starting job and incoming freshman, Daron "Fatts" Russell is a dark horse to taking minutes away at the position.
3. How is the frontcourt shaping out?
The one guarantee about the Rhode Island frontcourt is that Cyril Langevine will start and he is on the path to being a monster on the glass and in the paint for the Rams. Beyond Langevine, there is no clear-cut picture for the frontcourt rotation and how much each frontcourt player is capable of contributing.
4. How well have Michael Layssard Jr, Michael Tertsea, Andre Berry, and Nicola Akele progressed?
In conjunction with the previous question, the progression of the returning Rhody MBB frontcourt players is immense. Michael Layssard Jr. and Michael Tertsea have skill ceilings that are hard to match in the Atlantic 10. Meanwhile, Andre Berry has always been an offensive juggernaut that still needs to be in great physical shape to fit into Coach Hurley's system. Lastly, Nicola Akele needs to be stronger and be ready to muscle up so that he stops getting manhandled in the paint.
5. Has Rhode Island MBB grown complacent in any way?
Winning an Atlantic 10 MBB tournament title is a fantastic achievement but this a Rams team that needs to be hungry for more. Dan Hurley returns the large majority of the team that easily made it to the Round of 32 and were a couple possessions away from advancing into the Sweet 16. As an underdog on the national scale, Rhode Island men's basketball needs to aim for more and never stop working towards their goals. Winning both Atlantic 10 titles (regular season and tournament) and making a trip to San Antonio in 2018 sounds mighty nice.
Let's see a nice Rhody blowout to unofficially start the 2017-2018 college basketball season!
