CINCINNATI (OH) – Rhode Island Rams

Previous Record (Conf)
23-11 (11-5)

Key Non-Conference Games
At BostonCollege (13 Dec), Oklahoma St (2 Jan), at Akron (5 Jan)

Projected Conference Record (Finish)
9-7 (7th)

Conference Home-and-Home Partners
Temple, Massachusetts, Fordham

Outlook
The Rams have a lot going for them this season despite losing shooter extraordinaire Jimmy Baron Jr. and do-everything forward Kaheem Seawright. They have six upper-classmen and return starters in key roles. They have a capable point guard in junior Marquis Jones with a competent back-up in sophomore Stevie Mejia. They are loaded on the wing with two returning starters Keith Cothran & Lamonte Ulmer, sixth Man of the Year Delroy James and Ben Eaves – all seniors. They won’t have any shooters of Baron’s caliber, but Cothran, Mejia and Eaves all shot above 37% on three-point attempts last year. Without Baron and Seawright, the Rams should have a much more balanced offense and will be tougher to defend.

The biggest question for the upcoming season is whether Baron will continue to play at the same fast-pace averaging 79.3 points per game (tops in the A10), but giving up 72.6 as well. Last year, the Rams couldn’t get a stop when they needed one – the difference between making the NCAA and another trip to the NIT. This year’s team may not put up the same amount of points, but they should be able to play much better defense.

Spotlight On
Keith Cothran (6-4 195) should blossom this year with an expanded role in the offense. He was a solid third option for the Rams last year, but has all of the tools to earn spot as an All-League performer. Cothran uses a quick first step to create space and uses his size to finish. He’s an above-average three-point shooter and defender (50 steals).

Best Case Scenario
The Rams buy in to playing defense and display a nasty streak not seen in Kingston the last few years. Opposing defenses pick their poison as the Rams exploit favorable match-ups with a different player leading every night. Head coach Jim Baron challenges for Coach of the Year again as the Rams play better than the sum of their parts and earn a 1st round bye for the Conference Tourney.

Worst Case Scenario
The Rams struggle to establish an identity without Baron and Seawright. The team defense never materializes and the rudderless Rams never figure out how to finish off close games. Marquis Jones again leads the team in turnovers and Baron struggles to find a second and third option behind Cothran on their way to a sub-.500 conference record.