Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

#84 Rhode Island Rams
Atlantic 10
2003-04: 20-14, 7-9, 7th
2003-04 postseason: NIT

By Joel Welser

The Rams weren’t very consistent during the conference part of their schedule.  Jim Baron’s squad did end on a hot streak, winning six of eight before falling to West Virginia in their second game of the NIT.  Rhode Island hopes to continue that streak but will have to do it without some players who were expected to return.

Who’s Out: Dustin Hellenga played in all 34 of Rhode Island’s games and started 24.  He has decided to leave the program after his junior season.  The guards 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game will be missed.  Chris Holm has also decided to transfer.  Holm, who is headed to Vermont, averaged 9.6 minutes in 23 games.  The loss of senior Brian Woodward may make the biggest impact.  The 6-3 guard scored 13.3 points and led the team with 6.2 rebounds per game.  Also running out of eligibility is Steve Mello who averaged 3.6 points in 26 outings. 

Who’s In: The incoming class of freshmen will need to fill in a few holes on the roster.  Small forward Will Daniels will be asked to help out on the rebounding with the loss of Brian Woodward.  Combo guards John Lucky and Parfait Bitee should also be given the opportunity to see some quality minutes as freshmen.

Who to Watch: Dawan Robinson led the Rams in scoring and assists with 15.1 and 3.5, respectively.  The 6-2 guard isn’t the best shooter around but has the knack to score.  He’ll have to become the team leader for his senior season and hold together a team that losses a couple key players in Woodward and Hellenga.

Projected Conference Rank: The Rams have eight players returning who averaged over 10 minutes per game last season.  Experience might not be a problem, but some of those players need to step up and become scorers and leaders.  They should end up towards the middle of the conference at 6th place and earn another trip to the NIT.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NIT

« Team #85 , Team #83   »

Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

Chat About CHN's Top #144 Ranking: http://pub14.ezboard.com/fcollegehoopsnetfrm8

Return to the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page