Spring Break
Column: Rhody men's hoops ballin' in preseason
Anthony ARusso
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: Sports
11/13/08 - Jim Baron, head coach of the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team, speaks loudly when he talks. Like most successful coaches, he is clear, firm and understood.
Baron says that he has been handing out flyers, talking to students in dining halls and doing other activities around campus to get the student body excited about basketball season.
However, there are few things that Baron could say or do at Hope Commons or Butterfield Dining Hall that could be as loud, clear, firm and understood as what he and his team do on the basketball court.
In two preseason games, the Rams have shown that there may not be a more exciting event or a hotter ticket in the Ocean State than a Rhody basketball game. One hundred twenty-three points against Concordia, 109 points against Rhode Island College, and enough highlight reel plays to fill a good hour of "Sportscenter" have the Ryan Center buzzing for the upcoming season.
The Rams play a fast and exciting style of basketball with fast and exciting athletes. Jimmy Baron is as sharp a three-point shooter as you will see.
Keith Cothran, who played 30 minutes against RIC, is a remarkably talented player on both ends of the floor, and he is good for a couple show-stopping dunks each time out.
Marquis Jones, who continues to improve as a point guard, had 11 assists against RIC.
The rest of the team, from the starters to those who come off the bench, are capable of creating fireworks on the court.
One thing is for sure; this team can score a lot of points and keep people in the stands.
"It's definitely a good style to watch as a fan," Jimmy Baron said after putting up 26 points against RIC. Baron went 6-8 from three-point territory in that contest and also drove to the basket well. At one point in the first half, Baron scored eight points in less than one minute.
While Baron's outside shot is as terrific as everyone remembers, his skills taking the ball inside may be on display more this year than in previous years.
Baron says that he has been handing out flyers, talking to students in dining halls and doing other activities around campus to get the student body excited about basketball season.
However, there are few things that Baron could say or do at Hope Commons or Butterfield Dining Hall that could be as loud, clear, firm and understood as what he and his team do on the basketball court.
In two preseason games, the Rams have shown that there may not be a more exciting event or a hotter ticket in the Ocean State than a Rhody basketball game. One hundred twenty-three points against Concordia, 109 points against Rhode Island College, and enough highlight reel plays to fill a good hour of "Sportscenter" have the Ryan Center buzzing for the upcoming season.
The Rams play a fast and exciting style of basketball with fast and exciting athletes. Jimmy Baron is as sharp a three-point shooter as you will see.
Keith Cothran, who played 30 minutes against RIC, is a remarkably talented player on both ends of the floor, and he is good for a couple show-stopping dunks each time out.
Marquis Jones, who continues to improve as a point guard, had 11 assists against RIC.
The rest of the team, from the starters to those who come off the bench, are capable of creating fireworks on the court.
One thing is for sure; this team can score a lot of points and keep people in the stands.
"It's definitely a good style to watch as a fan," Jimmy Baron said after putting up 26 points against RIC. Baron went 6-8 from three-point territory in that contest and also drove to the basket well. At one point in the first half, Baron scored eight points in less than one minute.
While Baron's outside shot is as terrific as everyone remembers, his skills taking the ball inside may be on display more this year than in previous years.
