Entering his third year at the helm of the Rhode Island program, head coach Danny Hurley has stockpiled enough talent to eventually make a push toward the top of the Atlantic 10 Conference standings. Whether the Rams will do that this season, or remain a year away, they will begin the 2014-2015 season equipped with a full roster.
On Friday night, Bill Koch reported that 6-foot-10 forward Jordan Hare had been ruled eligible to play this season after being granted a waiver by the NCAA. In the spring, reports surfaced that Hare was looking to rejoin the program.
Hare missed the entire 2013-2014 season, taking a leave of absence in November before the season began. As a freshman, he averaged 5.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
The Rhode Island interior consists of former Rutgers big man Gilvydas Biruta, who averaged 10.6 points and 7.0 boards per game in his first season with the Rams, sophomore forward Hassan Martin, junior forward Ifeanyi Onyekaba and JuCo transfer Earl Watson. The Rams, which will run a three-guard set, will have one of the best perimeters in the conference led by A-10 Co-Rookie of the Year E.C. Matthews -- 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game -- and four-star freshman Jared Terrell.
Rhode Island finished 14-18 (5-11 A-10) this past season.