It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
Rhode Island Rams
2020-21 Season:
Record: 10-15 (7-10 A-10)
Points per game: 71.4
Rebounds per game: 38.5
Assists per game: 12.1
Points allowed: 71.1
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Fatts Russell (14.7)
Assists per game: Fatts Russell (4.5)
Field goal percentage: Antwan Walker (58.6)
Depth returning this upcoming season
The Rams will be returning a lot of talent from last season and will have the experience to back it up. Yes, they did lose their top scorer from last year in Fatts Russell who averaged 14.7 points per game, but nine other players that averaged double-digit minutes will be returning. So, as a team, this will be a program that will have experience but will just need to see growth in areas. As a team, the Rams shot just 31.2 percent from three and averaged just 5.7 made 3-pointers per game. They will also need to limit the turnovers and be better from the free-throw line (66.8 percent).
Watch out for Jeremy Sheppard
As a senior this year, Sheppard is looking like a prime candidate to see a bigger production this season. Last year, Sheppard played in 24 games, averaged 30.4 minutes, 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. With a season under his belt at Rhode Island, expect Sheppard to be one of the clear leaders for this team. Remember, this is a guard that averaged 9.2 points as a freshman at East Carolina and was voted to The American All-Rookie Team. He followed that up with a sophomore campaign at UCF where he averaged 17.1 points and shot 49 percent from the floor and 44 percent from three. Sheppard has it in him to be the go-to player and lead this team.
Breakout season for the twin centers?
Many may remember Makhal and Makhi Mitchell, as they were two big-time recruits coming out of high school that ultimately went to Maryland. After one season there, both announced their transfer to Rhode Island, a huge pick-up for the program. Makhel was off the charts in his first season with the program, where he started 23 of 25 games, averaged 9.6 points, and 5.6 rebounds per game. He also led the team with 42 blocks. Makhi unfortunately only appeared in seven games due to a season-ending injury in December but still averaged 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in those seven games. With these two back on the court and a year under their belt with the program, these two centers and brothers could be in for a HUGE season and really bring something to the Rams program.