PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: The Rhode Island Rams celebrates as Christian James #0 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Rhode Island Basketball: What Rhody Needs to Add on the Transfer Market
Given the youth that’s arriving to Kingston in 2018-19, it would be wise for Rhode Island basketball to secure an experienced transfer this offseason.
With the stellar five-man graduating class gone, Rhode Island basketball will be replenishing their team with an impressive four-man group of freshmen. The newcomers include top-100 prospect Jermaine Harris, as well as Dana Tate, Tyrese Martin, and Omar Silverio. Currently, the Rams have one scholarship left for the 2018-2019 season. It would be wise for the team to add a skilled transfer during this summer.
Foremost, David Cox and his remodeled coaching staff have already begun seeking a transfer. Early into his initial days as head coach, Cox made an attempt to secure the services of Boston University graduate transfer Cheddi Mosley. The guard was a perennial scorer while he played with the Terriers, but he also has an injury history. In his sophomore season, he averaged 13.3 points per game on 39.9 percent shooting. Then he averaged 9.5 points per game on 39.8 percent shooting in his junior campaign before suffering a season-ending injury his senior year.
Mosley is just one graduate transfer that would help David Cox’s team. But while the need for a transfer is clear, the Rams are seemingly seeking a graduate transfer. More specifically, a score-first guard (like Mosley) or an experienced big man would greatly benefit the current group. The known commodities in the back court are essentially Jeff Dowtin, Fatts Russell, and Christion Thompson. And, of course, there are three freshmen entering the picture.
Meanwhile, the frontcourt is returning Cyril Langevine and Nicola Akele. Also in the mix are Ryan Preston, Michael Layssard, and Michael Tertsea. Although freshmen Jermaine Harris and Dana Tate are extremely talented, they could use the mentorship of an experienced frontcourt player.
With the recent hiring of John Carroll and the clear recruiting prowess of David Cox, it shouldn’t be difficult for Rhody to attract an impact transfer. The 2018-2019 iteration of URI is already stacked. The addition of a transfer would just make the Rams even more loaded in the future.
