Challenging Slate for Young Rhode Island
The complete schedule has yet to be finalized, but Rhode Island is putting themselves in a tough position thus far. This is a group that will rely heavily on freshmen, most notably in the backcourt, while they await the eligibility of transfers Billy Baron and Andre Malone. Baron is a point guard who spent half a season at Virginia and Malone is a very talented scoring guard who was at Auburn. Those two will completely change the dynamic of the Rams once they are eligible to play following the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year.
But what happens in November and the beginning of December when freshmen like Mike Powell and T.J. Buchanan will likely be running the point? Well, thus far the schedule is not looking too kind to the newcomers. After hosting Maine to kick off the season, Rhode Island travels to Texas and Nebraska. Those road games may not be winnable even with Baron and Malone, but the team’s morale could take a big hit.
After that the Rams get what should be three easier home games as part of the Legends Classic. Boston University and Hofstra are likely competition in that four game event, which also includes the road game at Texas. Yet, if Boston U and Hofstra are the opponents, they are no pushovers even at the friendly confines of the Thomas M. Ryan Center. Sandwiched in-between a couple winnable Ivy League teams is another major conference opponent in Virginia Tech.
But then the real fun begins. Rhode Island always has a good time taking on in-state rival Providence and if the tentative December 23rd date holds true, that will be the first game Baron and Malone will suit up for the Rams. Playing your big rival during the winter break may not excite the students too much, but having your full squad ready to take on a vulnerable Friars squad should make up for the slight change of holiday plans.
Read the in-depth men’s basketball preview for this team
