Takeaways from URI vs. Buffalo
In the most intense exhibition game of the 2017-2018 college basketball season, the URI Rams prevailed over the Buffalo Bulls, 80-72, in overtime. As I mentioned previously, my eyes were focused on certain points surrounding the Rams. After watching the entire game in the Ryan Center on October 28, 2017, I have a considerable number of takeaways, which cover everything from that afternoon.
1. Buffalo really thought that they were in the middle of their conference tournament, playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. I love competition more than anyone that I know but the Bulls were taking the charity exhibition to the next level. With E.C. Matthews, Christion Thompson, and Michael Layssard Jr. already sitting out the game with injuries, URI needed to stay healthy. Of course, Jared Terrell almost split his head open diving for a loose ball and had to leave the game to ride the stationary bike on the sidelines after it looked like he pulled his hamstring. As arguably URI's most important player, no one wanted to see #32 limping around. Also, Stanford Robinson slipped face first on the court while dribbling the ball up on a possession. Additionally, Cyril Langevine had an awkward aerial landing on a defensive rebound where one of his knees was clipped on a Buffalo player that was laying on the floor. Consequently, Langevine sat out URI's secret scrimmage at Harvard.
2. Where was Michael Tertsea? In case everyone forgot, Tertsea is in his first true season of college basketball after redshirting last season. As such, the Rhody MBB fan base needs to be invested in what Tertsea can contribute this season as a 6'11" interior force. Unfortunately, I saw absolutely nothing when Tertsea played 0 minutes. So much for monitoring the progression of Tertsea and Michael Layssard Jr.
3. I hope the attendance number of 1,363 was only because this was an exhibition game being played at 1:00 pm on a Saturday, with good weather outside. If this is not the case, then that is absolutely pathetic. I did not expect 7,500+ attendees but I did expect many more students to show up. The Rhody Ruckus needs to show out this season.
4. The rotation for the frontcourt is becoming a bit clearer and not for an overly positive reason. I was excited to see Andre Berry starting for the afternoon until I witnessed his performance. Before the game ever began, a fan to the left of me commented that Berry looked like he lost zero weight in the offseason and he did not look to be in good shape. While I gave the West Hempstead native the benefit of the doubt, the comment proved to be all too true. In just 15 minutes of playing time, Berry had 2 points (1-5 FG), 5 rebounds, 1 turnover, and 4 personal fouls. The box score does not even tell half of the story, though. #34 took an ill-advised mid-range jumper to start off URI's first offensive possession. Offensively, he was not carving out enough space in the paint and even with his massive frame, he was continually pushed off the block by smaller defenders. Also, the big man caused URI turnovers by waiting for the basketball to be passed to him, rather than running to catch each pass. On the opposite end of the court, it only got worse for #34. Andre Berry's foot speed (or lack thereof) was detrimental to all of his extremely late closeouts. Much to the chagrin of Coach Hurley, Berry allowed at least three wide open threes. Moreover, Berry's four fouls were a result of his mediocre positioning and lack of boxing out for rebounds. There was an unforgettable moment in the game where Hurley yelled for Ryan Preston to come back into the game immediately following an Andre Berry mistake (right after Berry had just come back in). I need the real Andre Berry to show up to the 2017-2018 season.
5. On a positive note, Nicola Akele did not have great statistics but he played with more aggression and emotion than I have ever seen him play with. The jury is still out on how much of a liability he could be when it comes to defending the paint. Additionally, besides his 4 fouls in 8 minutes of game time, Ryan Preston played well, displaying a silky smooth mid-range jumper. At this point, I see Akele starting next to Langevine to start the season and Preston eventually taking over that particular starting frontcourt role by the second half of the season.
6. Jarvis Garrett looked like he was cementing his starting role at point guard. Garrett played well by producing 12 points (4-7 FG), 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal in 34 minutes of playing time. Meanwhile, Jeff Dowtin did himself no favors by having a putrid 1 for 11 shooting performance. To the surprise of many in the crowd (but not to me), Daron "Fatts" Russell was arguably the best player on the court on this Saturday afternoon. His 9 points and 2 steals in 20 minutes of game time were nice but his defensive intensity was most impressive. Russell still has lessons to learn in college basketball (like some of his shot selection) but he is starting on the right foot. Fatts is a dark horse to take minutes away from the likes of Dowtin and Christion Thompson this season.
7. Too many Rhody MBB players were playing with overconfidence. For instance, Stanford Robinson shot terribly, going 1 for 10 due to his overzealous shot selection. I understand and promote how Robinson performed last March against Oregon but he will not get that lucky every game. Smarter shot selection leads to better offensive possessions for a basketball team.
8. Old reliables, Jared Terrell and Cyril Langevine, played magnificently. From right before the tip-off, I saw Langevine jawing to Buffalo's center and I knew that the East Orange native was as competitive as ever. Jared Terrell's 24 points carried his team to victory through the overtime period.
Going forward, Dan Hurley will have his boys in shape and ready for their grueling non-conference slate.