Here is What We Know About URI and PC Men’s Basketball Teams After First Week

Sunday, December 06, 2020

Analysis

Ed Cooley: PHOTO: PC file

It is early in the season, but there are some emerging trends coming out of Kingston with the Rams and over at Providence College.

First, neither team is headed for the top 25 yet, but there are two emerging storylines early this season.

Providence College (2-2)

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First, PC — with loads of starters coming back and starting the season coming off a 6-game winning streak from last year, the Friars looked to be one of the class teams of the Big East. Preseason they were ranked third in the league, the Friars had everything they needed to get off to a strong start.

Well, best intentions don’t always come to fruition.

The Big East is known for muscle mass and hard fouls. Well, this Friars team, dare we say it, seems a little soft. Not baby’s bottom soft, but Indiana and Alabama just seemed to find taking it to the hole over and over again a bit too easy.

There was no fear that Kevin McHale was going to wreck Kurt Rambis. For PC's opponents, there was 0.0 fear. The Hoosiers and the Tide rolled down the lane over and over again and no one on PC touched them.

For Ed Cooley, it could not be fun to watch.

Pros: The Friars have super talent in the backcourt and Nate Watson is unstoppable on offense.

Cons: The Friars need more from others and could use an injection of some attitude. Otherwise others may roll like the tide this season.

Important Fact: In the long run, experienced, talented guards win.

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Fatts Russell PHOTO: URI File

University of Rhode Island (3-2)

Now the Rams — URI was tabbed as a program in chaos in the spring and it sure was. Like a cheap motel, folks were coming and going and no one seemed to like the amenities.

It seemed as if with the graduation of Jeff Dowtin and Cyril Langevine as well as Jacob Toppin and Tyrese Martin transferring, URI was bound to look more like a Jerry D-era (12-48 in two seasons) than anything close to the Danny Hurley era.

Well, surprise, surprise. The Rams coming into through the revolving door seem better than those going out. The Rams are deep -- going four deep in the backcourt and with the Mitchell brothers deeper down low. In addition, Georgetown transfer Antwan Walker seems to be the player he was supposed to be going into college.

For purposes of ease, you can pretty much add transfer or redshirt or both before everyone on the Rams' roster, other than Fatts Russell -- not quite, but close.

Pros: Jeremy Sheppard is the real deal. The team’s depth is outstanding.

Cons: Jalen Carey, a malcontent at Syracuse, needs to accept his role or maybe start looking for his third team.

What to Watch: And, while Cox is an unknown to most of us, he has a better winning percentage after a year-plus seasons than Jack Kraft, Dan Hurley, Al Skinner or Jim Baron.

Here is What We Know About URI and PC Men’s Basketball Teams After First Week

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Here is What We Know About URI and PC Men’s Basketball Teams After First Week

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