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Terrell Commitment Good for URI, Rhode Island Basketball

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It took Ed Cooley three years to bring Providence to the NCAA Tournament. URI fans are hoping their Rams follow a similar path under Dan Hurley.

With today’s news that top 100 guard Jared Terrell has committed to Rhode Island, Hurley continues to build out a formidable roster.

A Rams revival will be led by EC Matthews, who shined in his first year at URI — a season that saw him win co-Rookie of the Year in the Atlantic 10. Matthews averaged nearly 17 points per game in conference play and had nine games in which he scored 20 points or more — tops for any freshman in the country this past season.

A frontcourt with rugged senior-to-be Gil Biruta and the improving Hassan Martin (four 10+ rebounding games from mid-February on) got a boost when it was announced that springy shot blocker Jordan Hare is returning to school in May after taking a leave of absence this past season. As a freshman, the 6’10 Hare had 14 points and three blocks against the Friars.

With his latest recruiting haul, Hurley is building out depth in the backcourt. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hurley go with a three guard lineup next year, with Matthews at the primary scorer, Garrett handling point guard duties and Terrell serving as their best wing defender.

Both Terrell and Garrett chose the Rams over other high major suitors. In the end, it came down to URI and BC for Terrell, while Garrett closely considered Marquette after an explosive start to this season with Notre Dame Prep. Of course, Providence was an option for Terrell both when he committed to Oklahoma State and again this spring. One reporter had PC dropping out of the Terrell race, while his AAU coach soon after said he never planned on visiting Providence this spring. That should add some spice to the rivalry.

So, what does this mean for the Friars? Hopefully, an RPI boost with an improved Rams club. URI finished 13 games below .500 in Hurley’s first season and 14-18 last year. Suddenly, a road win at URI could mean much more.

Perhaps more intriguing, it will provide a boost to a rivalry gone limp in recent seasons.

Cooley is 3-0 in his Providence career and hasn’t been afraid to fan the flames when playing URI. During his first season at PC, the Friars won at the Ryan Center for the first time, with Cooley rushing out onto the court during a timeout with his hands over his head to ignite the Providence contingent. That didn’t go over so well.

Providence cruised rather easily two seasons ago, despite not having Vincent Council and Kris Dunn, while an ineffective Bryce Cotton played through a knee injury.

Of course, this past December came with fireworks. Cooley and Hurley shouted at each other near center court during a timeout, and Matthews misfired over a contesting Tyler Harris at the buzzer of a one point Providence victory.

While there have been some heated games and memorable moments (URI winning in the first year of the Ryan Center during  blizzard, Geoff McDermott nailing a pair of free throws with a second left), the rivalry has lost it’s luster because the game has so often meant little more than bragging rights.

It’s been nearly 15 years since Providence went to the Elite 8 in 1997 and URI followed up with their own appearance there the following season. We aren’t back at that level yet, but this game could start to mean more a lot more beginning next season.

 

 

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