Key Aspects for Rhody MBB to Work on Before March Madness
The race to winning the Atlantic 10 regular season title is looking like a breeze for Rhody MBB right now. They are currently 8-0 in the conference standings and it looks like they will continue to run away with it. While they should not overlook any of their remaining games in conference play or in the conference tournament in March, they should start making certain improvements and be wary of certain liabilities before their arrival to the 2018 NCAA tournament.
1. Do not fall in love with the contested jump shot - Drive into zone defenses or keep passing the basketball to find an open jump shot.
2. The real E.C. Matthews needs to show up every night - His performance vs. FGCU brought a rare smile to my face not just because it was vintage E.C. but also due to the fact that #0 looked like a player that could carry his team to victories in March.
3. Andre Berry needs to keep improving defensively - Andre Berry's offensive production has been so stellar this season that seeing him off of the floor is almost frustrating. However, everyone watching URI's games can understand why Berry gets sent to the bench. Outside of stamina issues and foul trouble, Berry can still be more of a liability than an asset on the defensive end.
4. Dan Hurley cannot fall in love with playing four or five guard lineups - During March Madness, the large majority of the teams that URI could run into will have depth and size. I can agree with using a five-guard lineup in extremely special situations, like at the end of the game when the other team is trying to foul. Four guard lineups have utility until they are exposed on the defensive end. Unfortunately, the Rams learned the weakness of their guard-heavy lineups against Virginia in the NIT Tip-Off tournament. Hurley has to think about getting used to using a traditional lineup of three guards and two big men against certain opponents.
5. Cyril Langevine needs to be a reliable presence off the bench on a consistent basis - Foremost, many commentators that have covered Rhody MBB this season have mentioned the fact that the presence of URI's #10 is either evident or completely non-existent. Headed into post-season play, the forward from East Orange, NJ needs to stay out of foul trouble so that he can stay on the floor. Furthermore, Langevine needs to rack up many rebounds and blocks, while repeatedly contesting and bothering shots (WITHOUT fouling) when he is in the game. Moreover, in his current role off of the bench, he needs to understand what his team needs him to do to keep winning. Unselfish players produce long runs in postseason play.
