By Shane Donaldson
Associate Athletic Director, Communication and New Media

KINGSTON, R.I. - If there was a bright spot for Rhode Island as a team in 2025-26, it was the team's defense.

The Rams were among the nation's best in several categories, ranking 10th in the country in defensive turnover percentage (21.1 percent); 15th in steal percentage (12.6 percent); 31st in steals per game (8.4); and 38th in scoring defense (68.2 points allowed/game).

"The style of play that they talked about, with us playing an aggressive defense, was a similar style as where I came from," said Towson transfer and fifth-year player Dylan Williamson. "The pace is faster, which is something I was really looking for."

Rhode Island's defensive approach was a big selling point for several of the program's newcomers.

"When Rhode Island was recruiting me, that was an emphasis that really stood out to me," Jason Fontenet II said. "I wanted to be part of a great defensive team, and the coaches showed me the importance they put on that.

"In college, defense is really how you get on the court at most schools. You have to know how to defend."

Last season, Rhody opponents shot 49.3 percent on two-point attempts, which ranked URI 70th in the country. Williamson said using defense to make opposing players uncomfortable goes a long way toward team success.

"When you are a smaller player in this game, you have to be willing to do the little things, box out, be physical, get your hands everywhere," Williamson said. "With our defense here, I know I'll be hedging, and I am used to that from four years at Towson."

Tyler Cochran led the team last year with a 5.2 steal percentage, which ranked second in the nation. Fourth-year player Jahmere Tripp had a 3.2 steal percentage, ranking 148th nationally.

Among the returning players, fifth-year player Jonah Hinton has stood out to the newcomers. Last season, Hinton impressed with his shooting range. The team's second-leading scorer, he scored 12.6 points per game and drained 76 3-pointers.

More often than not, head coach Archie Miller would make note of Hinton's defensive prowess. Hinton's ability to be in the right place at the right time was the key reason he averaged a team-high 32.3 minutes per game. While they've certainly picked up on Hinton's shooting range, his work on the defensive end had stood out.

"Jonah has really impressed me with his defensive game," first-year guard Steven Sherman said. "He is really able to put so much pressure on the ball. Teams will struggle to get into their sets when he is out there."

With the veteran providing an example to follow, the younger players are working to prove themselves on the defensive end.

"You never want to be the guy who is a mismatch, the liability on defense," first-year guard Jaen Chatman said. "As a point guard on the offensive end, when you know as a team that there is a mismatch you can exploit, you attack it.

"I don't ever want to be that guy that anyone is targeting. I never want Coach looking at me like I am the liability. I want to add to the team and make my defense an asset."
 

Rhode Island National Defensive Rankings

	2025-26	2024-25	2023-24
Turnover % (defense)	10	262	355
Steal %	15	313	338
Steals	31	274	332
Scoring Defense	38	269	292
Non-Steal TO%	41	133	340
Block %	48	202	236

SUMMER SERIES
July 23 - Sherman Used To Taking a Leap
July 21 - Chatman Learning From Veterans
July 16 - Team Chemistry In Focus For Summer Camp
July 14 - Preparation Has Led to Success for Williamson
July 9 - Fontenet Ready To Make Big Impact
July 7 - Hometown Bond Helps Deniusas, Raupelis Adjust