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

KINGSTON, R.I. - Jaymien Aponte is a Rhode Islander, through and through.

This season, the Cranston native is the lone true Rhode Islander on the men's basketball team. Representing the state is a point of pride for Aponte, who hopes his journey serves as an example for future generations within the state.

"I want to graduate from Rhode Island, definitely," the sophomore said. "Someday, I want to come back as an alumnus and talk to kids from the state and share how I am from here and didn't think I would have an opportunity to join the team. I want other people to know what is possible."

Playing Division I basketball has long been a goal for Aponte, who began playing basketball around the age of 6 years old. When he arrived on campus last summer through URI's Talent Development program, he was still trying to make his dream happen. He just wasn't sure how to make it happen.

The Talent Development program that brought him to campus also helped him get his foot in the door with the basketball team. Ed Givens, assistant director for campus life in Talent Development had seen Aponte play at Cranston West High School, where Aponte was a Rhode Island Boys Basketball Coaches Association Division II Second Team selection, as well as a First-Team All-League pick.

Givens helped Aponte get connected with URI Vice President and Athletics Director Thorr Bjorn, who in turn made the connection with the basketball team.

"I had a tryout, and then I got a call from (assistant coach/chief of staff) Benny Sander, who asked me to come and watch the team workout out," Aponte said. "When I got there, Archie Miller introduced me to the team. I wasn't expecting that, so it was a cool moment.

"It means a lot to me. I was born here, and I grew up here. To be able to play for my state, it means a lot to me."

Among his new teammates was 2024-25 team captain and fellow Rhode Island native Sebastian Thomas. The two had known each other from competing in the state.

"Sebastian and I had a lot in common," Aponte said. "We knew each other before, so that helped me adjust. He was a great teammate to me and did a lot to help me out.

As a freshman, Aponte appeared in four games last season. He made his collegiate debut in the season opener, entering in the final minute of a victory over Fairfield. He made the most of the moment too. Aponte earned a loud pop from the crowd when he blocked a shot and collected the rebound, officially entering his name into the statistical records.

"That was the best moment of my life in basketball," Aponte said. "Right when Coach called my name, I was nervous and antsy, but I felt prepared for the moment. Hearing the crowd, it was phenomenal. There were so many people yelling and clapping, and to be honest, my mind went blank. My mindset was to try and score a bucket and play phenomenal defense. I wasn't paying attention to how much time was on the clock. I was just happy I was in the game.

"When I went back on defense, I let the guy go by me a little bit, but when I blocked the shot, I knew it was a block, easily. Then I grabbed the rebound too. For a moment I was going to take the ball up the court myself all the way down the court, but then I thought, 'Let me get the ball to the right place.' That feeling was great. I wasn't smiling so much on the outside because I was trying to keep my composure, but deep down I was the happiest man alive. Everybody on the bench was going crazy. After the game, everyone was happy for me, and that's something I'll never forget."

When he returned with the rest of the team over the summer, Aponte was in a much different place mentally.

"I definitely know more about what to expect than I did last year," Aponte said. "I know how to train at a high level for certain things and that has me much more ready for anything this year."

As a walk-on, his job is to help prepare his teammates for every opponent Rhode Island will face. He puts in work daily to make sure he keeps himself ready for everything asked of him.

Off the court, he started as a Business major at URI, but he switched to Kinesiology. Long term he wants to be a physical therapist or athletic trainer. Fittingly, when asked what his goals for the season were, he pointed to the classroom first.

"I want to maintain my grades while getting in the gym as much as possible. I want to succeed in my classes," said Aponte, while a smile eventually formed. "When the season comes around, I want to score my first points."

As for this year's team, Aponte likes what he sees.

"Everybody on this team has the same goals, and everyone is willing to work for those goals," Aponte said. "The team has one same mindset, and you can see how well everyone is working together. It's a fun group to be around. I can't wait to see how far this season takes us, because I have a good feeling about this team."

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
7/31 - Redshirt Season Has King Prepped for Impact
8/5 - After Whirlwind First Season, Icke Settling In
8/7 - Loer Has Tools To Contribute Right Away
8/12 - Position Change Helps Harper See Whole Game
8/14 - Relationships Have Keyed Perry's Journey
8/19 - Ball Sees Growth In Self, Program