Throughout the summer, GoRhody.com will run a weekly feature series introducing the members of the 2025-26 Men's Basketball team. The series will focus on their respective basketball journeys.

KINGSTON, R.I. - Almost a full year ago, Damone King's basketball journey took a fateful fork in the road when he decided to forgo a prep year Hargrave Military Academy. Instead, he committed to Rhode Island last August, enrolling in college with a personal development plan that involved redshirting as a true freshman.

Last Aug. 6, King took to social media to announce he was committing to the Rams, despite knowing it meant not playing during the 2024-25 season.

"I made the best decision for myself last year in terms of getting into college instead of doing a prep year," King said. "By going to college, I had access to better meals and better resources. There was 24-7 gym access so I could work on my game. It was a decision that benefitted me in so many ways in terms of physical development and mental preparation. The biggest difference is really experience. I know I didn't get to play last year, but I really learned a lot. Watching from the sidelines, I picked up a lot about the game that will help a lot this year."

What were some of those nuances that King learned that he feels have elevated his game?

"The details that I picked up on involved footwork and being ready to step into a shot. Understanding conditioning and how much the work you put in there impacts your production on the court. With regard to passing, it is understanding the importance of hitting players in the right spot at the right time," King said. "When you understand every player's strengths and weaknesses, you can help them get their shots off more effectively when you are consistent with your delivery. It is understanding that exact pocket that works for the other players. If you are off to the left or the right, you are not helping your teammate execute. Any assist you can provide is a bucket for the team, and that's what matters."

At this point, King is more of a combo guard than a pure point. However, he understands his development at the point will only increase his ability to see the court. In fact, it is Archie Miller's history with developing guards that stood out during the recruiting process. Miller himself was the first person at Rhode Island that King heard from, with assistant coach James Whitford being the coach who followed up most often.

"The biggest thing that stood out the entire time was their character," King said. "They kept it real with me. They explained their plan. Coach Archie loves guards and has a good resume in terms of developing guards. Coach Whit is always on me 24-7, no doubt. But you come to appreciate that. He just wants the best for me, on and off the court."

Last season, King spent significant time around Sebastian Thomas, soaking in all he could from the dynamic point guard.

"One thing I took from Bassy was his passing ability," King said. "He was so skilled in a lot of areas, but his court vision and ability to see passes before he delivered them was incredible. He would make unbelievable passes every day in practice. I mean, it opened my eyes and made me realize that was the next level I needed to get to in my own game in order to be a good point guard."

Ironically, it was an injury to Thomas during the summer that gave King a bit of a baptism by fire in terms of college basketball.

"My first day on campus last year, Bassy was hurt, so I was getting a lot of work right away," Kings said. "The first things that stood out was the speed and the conditioning. The skill level was what I was used to, but the speed at which the skills were executed was definitely different. I grew up playing against a lot of guys who were older than me. I did some training when I was younger, but not too much. My game was instincts and just playing."

While at DeSales, King was an elite shooter who averaged more than 20 points per game. He shot 50.6 percent from the field overall and 40.9 percent from the perimeter. A spectacular free throw shooter, he made 87.1 percent from the stripe, all while leading DeSales to a district title and a spot on the Region 6 playoffs.

King is a straight shooter when he discusses his personal game. This summer his biggest areas of growth have been his vertical explosiveness, his ability to get downhill and his ability to catch and shoot. He says his confidence in those areas has risen significantly. Then, he shifts his self-assessment to the other end of the floor.

"Defense is always going to be a focal point. That is discussed every day," King said. "The biggest thing I have learned since I've been here when it comes to defense is the idea of always being engaged. I've always been a good defender, but I need to learn how to get my hands on the ball more often. I am a solid defender in that if you try and get past me it's going to be hard and I am going to make you work for it. But getting my hand on the ball and being more disruptive in the passing lanes is how I can elevate my game on the defensive end."

There is an all-business mindset that comes through when King speaks. He understands for this squad, he is equal parts young player and veteran. While he is a redshirt freshman who has yet to play in a collegiate game, he is one of just two scholarship players - along with forward Drissa Traore - who were physically with the program for the entire 2024-25 season. Center Moek Icke, who is back with the team this summer, spent last Spring back home in the Netherlands dealing with a medical issue.

During the first summer session, King saw right away the tone being set by the eight veteran transfers who joined the team in the offseason. The team was in two groups for conditioning and lifting. His own day began out at Meade Stadium for conditioning work before heading inside for work in the weight room.

"When we went in for lift, the 10 o'clock group was all already in there, and it was 9:30 in the morning at that point," King said. "When you see an entire group in there already getting warmed up and putting the work in, it fires you up. It was the older, veteran guys. They've been there and they know what it takes, and it leaves an impression on you. The right kind of impression, you know? It's eye opening and shows you what it means to take care of your body. These guys are in there getting warmed up even before they go through stretching with (Director of Basketball Performance) Paul (Woelmer). That was different to see, most definitely.

"The biggest thing we can do as players this summer is establish the kind of team we want to be. Have practice at 3:45? Be there 20 minutes early getting up shots. Do you consider on time as being on time, or being ready ahead of time? Sounds small, but those are the type of things that go a long way in determining what kind of team you are going to be."

Check back on Tuesday, Aug. 5 for a feature on center Moek Icke. To order tickets for the 2025-26 Men's Basketball Season, click here.

Summer Series
6/12 - Hinton Brings Strategic Mind to Rhody
6/19 - Johnson Leads With the Spirit of the Wolf
6/26 - Itejere Offers Explosive Presence in the Paint
7/1 - Cochran's Versatile Production An Asset
7/3 - Tripp Ready To Work For Rams
7/10 - Early Patience Allowed Sow's Game To Grow
7/15 - Corey Brings Electric Ability to Backcourt
7/17 - Crawford's Reset Made The Game Fun Again
7/24 - Traore is the Glue for Rhody