The season may have ended two days ago, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early for some bracketology. ESPN’s famed Bracketologist Joe Lunardi was one of the first to release a bracket for next season. While it’s way too early to take any of this too seriously, Rhode Island and St. Bonaventure are both in Lunardi’s projected field. Be sure to check out Joe’s full bracketology.
Rhode Island is projected as an 11 seed in Lunardi’s bracket for the 2017-18 season. With an incredible amount of talent returning to this backcourt, it’s no surprise the Rams are expected to make it back to the Big Dance. Rhode Island went dancing this season and took down Creighton in the first round. The Rams controlled 38 minutes of a battle against eventual Final Four team Oregon in the Second Round, but their season would end there. E.C. Matthews, Jared Terrell, and Jarvis Garrett will be the stars of a loaded backcourt. This Rhode Island team will have 6 or 7 guards that will absolutely wreak havoc on opposing teams in Atlantic 10 conference play. Lunardi has the Rams playing a first round game against Seton Hall in Boise.
The St. Bonaventure Bonnies also find their way into Lunardi’s field in 2017-18. As a “Last Four In” team, it seems St. Bonaventure could have another season right on the bubble. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned last time that happened. The Bonnies will hope to exceed expectations this season with star guards Jaylen Adams and Matt Mobley returning. St. Bonaventure doesn’t want to get snubbed by the Selection Committee again; it’s going to do all in its power to avoid being on the bubble heading into Selection Sunday.
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