To commence the 2023-24 campaign, the Colonials visited the Cintas Center to take on Big East opponent, Xavier.

Oftentimes in these matchups within the opening week of the college basketball season, we see the Colonials hang around and then get put away but the superior team in the second half. On Monday, it was much of the same, but the first half showcased a lot to like and a potential glimpse of what to expect this season.

Three days later, the Colonials played NAIA Point Park in a buy game at the UPMC Center. Yes, the Colonials were without two of their starters in Justice Williams – a former four-star and LSU transfer – and Josh Corbin, but it illuminated a potential glaring issue that Andy Toole’s squad may face this year.

Point Park led for nearly 20 minutes and capitalized on poor ball management and shooting from the Colonials. RMU finally found its rhythm late it the contest to stage an all-important comeback to withstand what would have been a brutal upset in what was just an exhibition game for the Pioneers.

“We averted disaster tonight,” Toole said in his opening statement following the gutsy win.

As the Colonials avoided a meltdown, it was clear that the Colonials are going to have some depth issues this season. Without Williams and Corbin, the Colonials dug into its bench and the youth that is present on this year’s team.

Freshman Alfredo Boglio made his first collegiate start after registering 14 minutes in Monday’s loss to Xavier. Chris Ford, Alvaro Folgueiras, Ben Krystkowiak and Trey James all lugged minutes off the bench against the Pioneers.

Outside of Boglio, the latter four did not see extended minutes on the floor due to the circumstances that were unfolding within the game. As a collective, those five failed to make much of an impact when they appeared on the floor as they combined to make just two baskets on 12 attempts.

When Toole was asked whether or not he was impressed with the play from his bench, he did not mince words.

“Impressed is a strong statement,” Toole said with a sarcastic laugh.

While the minutes will certainly be limited for those guys once Williams and Corbin are inserted back in the lineup, it begs the thought of how fit the Colonials would be if they do lose a player for extended time.

“We need contributions from more,” Toole said. “That’s something we’ve been battling about a little bit in our practice settings.”

Although it’s been a small sample size through two games, Toole wants to have the luxury of lengthening his bench this season but has not seen enough to do that.

“Understanding how to execute your offense and defense to me is a nonnegotiable across the board,” Toole said. “We are continuing to talk about those things to some of those guys coming off the bench and we’re still getting some errors.”

Part of the mishaps may be attributed to the inexperience on the roster. A certain point in the contest against Point Park exemplified that.

“In the first half, I had an exchange with Alvaro where he didn’t call the ball screen and they got all the way downhill. I said, Alfredo’s saying you’re not calling the ball screen. He’s said, “he’s right.” I appreciate the honesty, but it’s important. He’s a freshman, but he’s got to be more consistent in his work habits on a daily basis.”

For Toole, he needs to see more of his players jumping at the opportunity to absorb everything they need to learn.

“Sometimes its not just spending the two hours at practice. If you need extra help in math, you go to the tutors. You don’t just go to the three class sessions you have that week and think you are going to ace the class.”

“That’s some of the stuff we’ve been talking to guys about. How are you utilizing your resources? Whether its watching film, being with coaches and doing whatever is necessary to prepare yourself to help the team the best you can.”

With any young team, the Colonials will have to be patient with what they have at their disposal off the bench.

One promising sign from its young core has been the quality play from sophomores Steph Walker and TJ Wainwright.

The 6-foot-7 Walker will start at the five all season long. He finished two rebounds short against Xavier to start the season with consecutive double-doubles. He tallied 14 points and pulled down 16 boards against the Pioneers.

For Wainwright, he’ll be seen as the sixth man off the bench this season as he did so against Xavier. In his first collegiate start for Wainwright, he put together a career-high 17 points and helped the Colonials claw back against the Pioneers for the victory.

With the departures of Kahliel Spear, Enoch Cheeks and Michael Green III, both Walker and Wainwright will be heavily relied upon to produce this season.

“Someone told me once that sophomore means wise fool,” Toole said. “Sometimes when you are a sophomore, you think you have it figured out. Steph was a starter for us last year. TJ has worked really hard to increase his role in our rotation.”

In game two of their sophomore seasons, it presented a chance to understand where both players currently stand for the Colonials as they are projected to see even more time on the floor this season.

“They’re learning,” Toole said. “Are you building yourself every day for that role and those responsibilities. They both have to be really good for us for the team we want to be.”

With the opportunity to work on different areas of its game against Point Park, Robert Morris was faced with reality of what this team may be. Depth is certainly a focal point this season, especially if they find themselves down a player or two.

It’s only the first week, but the Colonials will inevitably experience growing pains as the season moves along as they look to compete in the Horizon League yet again.

The post Early Season Test Exposed Glaring Issue for Robert Morris appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

The Pioneers put up a valiant effort, leading for over 20 minutes of the game, but the Colonials held off the pesky Pioneers, 66-56.

Both programs would be without their stars. Robert Morris was without former four-star Justice Williams, who scored 21 points in the season opener against Xavier on Monday. The Colonials also did not have three-point threat Josh Corbin at their disposal.

Point Park was without its NAIA All-American Jo Valrie, who is averaging 17.5 points per game through its first five contests.

With fresh confidence of a new season ahead of them, the Colonials looked to handle the Pioneers with ease.

Certainly, that was not the case. While Point Park took advantage of several of its opportunities, it was the Colonials that got in the way of themselves.

In the first half the Colonials shot just 32.4 percent from the floor and trailed by five heading into the locker room. The Colonials were plagued with turnovers, giving the ball up eight times.

After an opening Jamisen Smith layup for the Pioneers, Robert Morris put together an 11-0 run. Western Michigan transfer Markeese Hastings was at the center of the early success for the Colonials with a three to open the Colonials’ scoring followed by a strong finish on the lay-in.

Point Park pulled right back into the game via the effort from Smith. The Colonials were unable to control the graduate senior guard as he scored 12 points in the first half.

With Smith’s guard play, complemented by a mismatch in the frontcourt for the Pioneers, they leveraged their big men. 7-foot-2 center Jags Jhawar and 6-foot-10 Nazareth Fisher controlled the paint for Point Park and posed a problem for the undersized Steph Walker.

The Pioneers put together an 8-0 run that distanced themselves from the Colonials. Jackson Last finally put an end to things for Robert Morris as he hit a triple with 3:55 to go.

However, it would be Nathaniel Van, who nailed a three to close the half as the Pioneers put the Colonials faithful in shock.

Feeling good, the Pioneers entered the second half firing on all cylinders. Smith led the way yet again with a strong drive and finish with a foul, which he would add for the three-point play.

Point Park extended its lead to 10 as Smith knocked down a mid-range jumper and was subsequently followed by a Van triple that forced Colonials’ head coach Andy Toole to call a timeout.

Searching for answers, the Colonials finally found some scoring from sophomore TJ Wainwright as he cashed in on a mid-range jumper. Moments later, he was fouled beyond the arc, leading to an opportunity at the foul line in which he scored all three.

Wainwright put together his best performance of his career, scoring a personal-best 17 points.

The Colonials finally found their rhythm and closed the gap as Hastings brought the Colonial fans to their feet with a breakaway slam.

Hastings effort paced the Colonials as he finished with a double-double, scoring 20 points and adding 10 rebounds.

On the next offensive sequence for Robert Morris, the Colonials found Last wide open as he made no mistake draining the three-pointer. The bucket gave the Colonials their first lead since the 6:21 mark of the first half.

Once the lead was regained by the Colonials, they held off the Pioneers just enough thanks to a much better shooting half as they went 42.4 percent.

Gallery:

The post Robert Morris Sweats Out Win Against Pesky Point Park appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Qudus Wahab led Penn State with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Ace Baldwin (13 points) and Zach Hicks (11) also cracked double figures.

Penn State led 7-2 at the first media timeout, with Zach Hicks nailing a 3-pointer.

At the next media timeout, Penn State led 11-5. Ace Baldwin found his old VCU teammate, Nick Kern, on an ally-oop.

Penn State led 19-12 at the next media timeout, and Hicks led the team with five points.

PSU led 35-30 at the half. Baldwin and Qudus Wahab tied for the scoring lead with eight.

RMU kept fighting in the second half, cutting the deficit to one by the first media timeout. Penn State got it together and let 52-45 by the next media. By the U8, Penn State led by 13.

But RMU just wouldn’t go away and trailed by just five with less than four to play. But PSU held on.

Robert Morris was led by TJ Wainwright, who ended the night with 15 points. Josh Corbin (13 points) and Markeese Hastings (11 points, 13 rebounds) also contributed.

RMU opens its regular season Monday, Nov. 6 at Xavier. Tip-off is scheduled for 8.

Penn State opens its regular season Monday, Nov. 6 against Delaware State at the Bryce Jordan Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7.

The post Qudus Wahab’s Double-Double Leads Penn State Over RMU in Coaches vs. Cancer Exhibition Game appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

RMU will make five road trips and host six games outside of Horizon League action, as well as host Penn State on Oct. 27 in an exhibition game benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer.

The Colonials open on the road at Xavier in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 6. The Musketeers advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and knocked Pitt out of the Round of 32 last year. 

Over a week later, RMU heads to Madison to battle Big Ten foe Wisconsin. Andy Toole’s team is no stranger to playing major-conference opponents. Over the past two seasons, the Colonials played at Ohio State, Dayton, and Kentucky within the first month of play.

Also highlighted is a matchup against former NEC rival St. Francis in Loretto, Pa. The Colonials and Red Flash have continued their rivalry since becoming non-conference opponents after RMU departed the league following the 2020 NEC Championship victory. Fresh off upsetting Purdue to become the second-ever No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1, another NEC opponent will enter the UPMC Events Center. Fairleigh Dickinson battles RMU on Nov. 26 in Moon Township to close Thanksgiving weekend.

RMU returns starters Josh Corbin(Sr.), Jackson Last (Jr.), and Stephaun Walker (So.) to a team with multiple new faces. The Colonials will need to replace a combined 40 points scored between Kahliel Spear (graduation) and both Michael Green III and Enoch Cheeks, who transferred after last season.

Former five-star recruit Justice Williams joins Robert Morris after spending the past two seasons at LSU. Williams averaged 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 23 games (seven starts) as a sophomore. Grad transfer forward Markeese Hastings (Western Michigan) adds a 6-foot-7 big to the rotation who totaled more rebounds (585) than points (548) in four collegiate seasons.

The full non-conference schedule:

Opponent                                           Date                                Time

Penn State (Exhibition)                     Oct. 27                             7 p.m.

Xavier                                                    Nov. 6                              TBA

Point Park                                            Nov. 9                               7 p.m.

Towson                                                 Nov. 12                             TBA

Wisconsin                                            No. 17                               TBA

Jacksonville                                        Nov. 24                             4 p.m.

Fairleigh Dickinson                          Nov. 26                              2 p.m.

Canisius                                              Dec. 6                                TBA

Delaware                                            Dec. 11                                7 p.m.

St. Vincent                                         Dec. 17                               2 p.m.

Saint Francis                                     Dec. 20                              7 p.m.

Cornell                                               Dec. 22                               2 p.m.

The post Robert Morris Men’s Basketball Announces 2023-24 Non-Conference Schedule appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

College hoops teams around the Division One level held their first official practice on Monday, marking the first day of the 2023-24 preseason.

Pitt is looking to build off of its first NCAA Tournament appearance of the Jeff Capel era, following up last year’s season with a solid transfer class and a bright freshmen class. The Panthers brought in freshmen Jaland Lowe, Carlton Carrington, Papa Kante, and Marlon Barnes, while transfers Ishmael Leggett (Rhode Island), Zack Austin (High Point), and Mike Hueitt Jr. (Catawba D2) also joined the squad.

A4D: The Story of Pitt’s Ishmael Leggett’s Love for his Father

Duquesne brought back as much talent as the program has had in years while also recruiting a talented transfer class. Tre Williams, Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark III will look to lead the Dukes once more, along with transfers Andrei Savrasov, Dusan Mahorcic, Fousseyni Drame, and Hassan Drame. 

Andy Toole’s Robert Morris Colonials had a strong offseason as well, adding LSU transfer Justice Williams to the roster along with talented forward Markeese Hastings (Western Michigan transfer). RMU also returns guard Josh Corbin, as well as Stephaun Walker and Jackson Last.The college hoops season starts on Nov. 6.

Robert Morris Commit Justice Williams Details Excitement in Joining Andy Toole and Colonials

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NEWS: Horizon League Announces 2023-24 Schedule

: https://t.co/npqUIy87AH
: https://t.co/7vxTGHhbmF
: (412) 397-4949#BobbyMo | | #RMUnite pic.twitter.com/jCrKNGGmql

— RMU Basketball (@RMUMBasketball) August 22, 2023

The Colonials will play 20 Horizon League regular season games, split between 10 home and 10 road contests. RMU begins action on the road against 2023 Horizon League Tournament champion Northern Kentucky on Nov. 29. Andy Toole’s team returns home four days later to battle last year’s regular season champs, Youngstown State.

Notable stints on the schedule include a four-game home streak to begin 2024 facing IUPUI (Jan. 4), Wright State (Jan. 10), Purdue Fort Wayne (Jan. 12), and Detroit Mercy (Jan. 17). Three of the last four matchups are at home. 

A three-game stint against Oakland (Feb. 22), Cleveland State (Feb. 25), and Northern Kentucky (Feb. 28) leads into the final regular season game at Purdue Fort Wayne (Mar. 2). The Colonials begin and end the slate on the road. 

Robert Morris concluded last season 16-17 overall and 10-10 in conference play. The team narrowly defeated IUPUI on a game-winning triple by Michael Green III to squeak past the Jaguars 67-64 inside the UPMC Events Center in the Horizon League First Round. The Colonials led Cleveland State for most of their quarterfinal battle, looking to clinch a spot in Indianapolis for the first time in the semifinals before the Vikings pulled away 75-70. 

RMU welcomes former LSU guard Justice Williams (Jr.) and Western Michigan forward Markeese Hastings (Gr.) to the squad for Toole’s 14th season manning the Colonials. The full non-conference schedule has yet to be released. According to a May report by CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein, Robert Morris will open the year in Cincinnati against Xavier. 

Senior leader Kahliel Spear graduated and star guards Green III and Enoch Cheeks transferred, leaving a plethora of minutes, points, and rebounds on the table for others to step up and consume. Rising sophomore forward Stephaun Walker returns with three-point specialist Josh Corbin and guard TJ Wainwright as pieces of the puzzle returning to make a run in the Horizon League.

Robert Morris Commit Justice Williams Details Excitement in Joining Andy Toole and Colonials

The post RMU Releases 2023-24 Horizon League Schedule appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Let’s work! @RMUMBasketball pic.twitter.com/EKe2uJQTwv

— Preston Phillips (@Preston_Philly) May 26, 2023

An incoming junior, the 6-foot-8 Phillips started five of the 18 games he appeared in for the Aces during the 2022-23 campaign. In 19 minutes per game, Phillips averaged 4.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and shot 54% from the floor on 28-of-54 shooting. 

He averaged more minutes during his freshman year (21.9) than year two in the program and played a more valuable role in the rotation. Phillips started 15 of 28 matchups but struggled to find the bottom of the basket. The Elkhart, Indiana, native made 26-of-62 attempts from the floor (42%), a staggering 4-of-21 (19%) from three and struggled at the free-throw line (53.3%). In double the attempts, Phillips steadily improved at the line, 18-of-31 (58%) by a slim margin.

In 46 games (20 starts) spanning two years for Evansville, Phillips averaged 3.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and totaled 47 assists, 35 steals and 22 blocks. He only reached double-figure point totals twice during his career in the Missouri Valley, occurring twice in the span of three games in mid-February.

Preston Phillips with the jam!

1:29 1H
34
29

https://t.co/qWqlr1Yf24

#ForTheAces pic.twitter.com/6yVTaG0hdH

— UE Men's Basketball (@UEAthletics_MBB) November 8, 2022

Evansville closed the year 5-27 overall and 1-19 in MVC play. The Colonials laid eyes on Phillips during their Nov. 24 matchup against the Aces in Savannah, Georgia. Evansville stunned Robert Morris in a 54-53 victory, outscoring the Colonials 29-16 in the second half. Phillips started the contest and played 21 minutes. He scored two points on 1-of-2 shooting. 

Phillips was named the 2020 Basketball Player of the Year in Elkhart County during his high school days and also earned the Most Improved Player award in 2019. He also earned All-Conference honors in tennis and played baseball.

A @Preston_Philly dunk has us up 16 at the start of the second half.

16:03 2H
42
26
#ForTheAces pic.twitter.com/7QtmuxQ66r

— UE Men's Basketball (@UEAthletics_MBB) October 30, 2022

RMU signed former LSU guard Justice Williams earlier in the transfer cycle, one of, if not the top recruit in program history. The Colonials closed the season 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Horizon League play. 

Andy Toole’s team lost Enoch Cheeks and Michael Green III to the transfer portal and Kahliel Spear graduated to leave significant scoring opportunities in the Colonials’ lineup. The program will face Xavier in Cincinnati to begin the 2023-24 campaign.

The post Robert Morris Adds Evansville Transfer Preston Phillips appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

According to CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein, RMU will face Xavier at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 6. The matchup is the Musketeers’ season opener after reaching the Sweet 16 in March. Xavier lost to Texas (83-71) after knocking the Pitt Panthers out of March Madness (84-73) in the previous round.

Led by Pittsburgh native and Pitt grad Sean Miller, Xavier finished 27-10 overall and 15-5 in Big East play. 

Robert Morris concluded its third Horizon League season 10-10 in conference play (16-17 overall). The Colonials lost in overtime to Cleveland State during the Horizon League quarterfinals. Enoch Cheeks and Michael Green III transferring out of the program, plus leader Khaliel Spear graduating, leaves significant shoes to fill for incoming freshmen and transfers. 

RMU and Xavier have meet twice, once during the 2008-09 season and the other in 2012-13, both in Cincinnati. The Musketeers won the first contest 78-57 before RMU gave Xavier a scare, only winning by two points (61-59). That season was also the year Robert Morris upset Kentucky in Moon Township during the NIT.

Andy Toole landed former four-star guard Justice Wiliams from LSU two weeks ago. Regarded as the No. 34 overall player by Rivals.com out of high school, Williams brings two years of SEC basketball experience to the conference as one of RMU’s top recruits in program history. 

“I’m definitely excited,” Williams said. “Coming in with a good coach in Coach [Andy] Toole, definitely a good group of guys and proximity as well. I’m familiar with the territory and the city.”

Robert Morris Commit Justice Williams Details Excitement in Joining Andy Toole and Colonials

The post Robert Morris to Face Xavier in 2023-24 Season Opener appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

“I’m definitely excited,” Williams said. “Coming in with a good coach in Coach [Andy] Toole, definitely a good group of guys and proximity as well. I’m familiar with the territory and the city.”

A 6-foot-4, 175-pound Philadelphia native, Williams ranked as the No. 34 overall recruit by Rivals.com and No. 55 by 247 Sports before committing to LSU. During his recruiting process, Williams held offers from Alabama, Auburn, UConn, Georgetown, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Miami, Ole Miss, Purdue, Villanova, and Georgia Tech. Pitt was also interested in him but ultimately selected the Colonials as his Pittsburgh home.

“In terms of comfortability, my level is very high,” Williams said. “I’m familiar with the state. I haven’t had much time in Pittsburgh, but it has some similarities to Philadelphia.”

Justice Williams is joining LSU this fall! the 4 guard is reclassifying to 2021 #GeauxTigers @JdotWilliams1 @LSUBasketball @NIBCOfficial @PaulBiancardi pic.twitter.com/eJfietmglV

— NIBC (@NIBCOfficial) August 20, 2021

Williams praised Toole and his involvement with the RMU community. He entered the portal following his freshman year but opted to stay a Tiger. RMU did not previously recruit him out of Monteverde Academy, but once he entered the portal for a second time, Williams found his fit.

“I felt like it was a great match,” Williams said. “In terms of personalities, my play style and how they play, it was the right style.”

In two seasons at LSU, the sophomore guard averaged 2.6 points, 1.1 rebounds and totaled 20 steals in 43 games. Williams started seven of the 23 games he appeared in this past season and averaged 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in nearly 16 minutes per game. He learned multiple important lessons during his first two collegiate seasons and wants to bring a ‘winning culture’ from the SEC.

.@TeamFinalEYBL ESPN 60 guard Justice Williams has committed to LSU.

combo with good size & length
capable of making high-level plays with the ball in space
evolving shooter with an already potent pull-up game

@WhosNextHS pic.twitter.com/Ln9ZKRSaWf

— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) June 18, 2021

“Just the maturity aspect of the game,” Williams said. “More so on the court and off the court. Always being consistent with your habits [to succeed]… Having that comradery with the guys and chemistry to win games.

“A mentality. Talent always speaks for itself, but the main thing is my mentality. Preparation going into games and how you carry yourself after games, as well.”

The buzz around the RMU campus has felt the shockwaves of a Power 6 conference player set to take the court for the 2023-24 season. One RMU student told PSN that excitement was high once Williams announced his commitment, pumped up to see what the LSU transfer could do in the Colonials’ fourth Horizon League season. 

“That’s music to my ears,” Williams said. “On my side, it’s definitely reciprocated. I want to have fun this year, bring everybody out to the games, and win games for the community.”

He has spoken to multiple RMU players since joining the Colonials, discussing mostly topics outside of basketball. Entering Moon Township as a junior, Williams looks to become a veteran leader capable of commanding the offense. 

“It’s big for me,” Williams said. “I feel like the work I’m putting in for this upcoming season, that’s something that’s deserved, but also, I have to prove on my end. Also, for the other guys on my team, they’ll also help me as well too.”

Robert Morris finished the 2022-23 campaign 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Horizon League play. The Colonials played well at home (11-4) but struggled on the road (5-10) and fell in overtime to Cleveland State in the Horizon League Tournament quarterfinals. Star guards Enoch Cheeks and Michael Green III entered the transfer portal, and forward Kahliel Spear is out of eligibility, creating a void of 40 points per game left to replace three of RMU’s top four scorers. So, what is RMU getting?

“They’re definitely going to get a leader, a hard worker, and someone whose consistent.”

The post Robert Morris Commit Justice Williams Details Excitement in Joining Andy Toole and Colonials appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

A 6-foot-4 sophomore from Philadelphia, Williams started seven of 23 games for the Tigers during the 2022-23 campaign. He averaged 3.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 34% from the floor. In two years at LSU, he made 7-of-39 threes (18%), totaled 20 steals, and recorded 47 assists. He started one of 20 games during his freshman year. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Justice Williams is joining LSU this fall! the 4 guard is reclassifying to 2021 #GeauxTigers @JdotWilliams1 @LSUBasketball @NIBCOfficial @PaulBiancardi pic.twitter.com/eJfietmglV

— NIBC (@NIBCOfficial) August 20, 2021

The former four-star recruit was ranked as the No. 55 overall recruit by 247 Sports and No. 34 overall by Rivals.com and before committing to LSU, Williams held offers from Alabama, Auburn, UConn, Florida, Georgetown, Indiana, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, Pitt, Purdue, Villanova and Virginia Tech. The addition is a major add for head coach Andy Toole entering the program’s fourth year in the Horizon League. 247 Sports National Basketball Analyst Brian Snow provided his scouting report on Williams from 2019 in the site’s analysis: 

“A gifted scorer who is a good athlete. Capable of putting up big numbers when he gets it going on the offensive end. At around 6-foot-3 with a good ability to put the ball in the basket from all three levels, Williams is at his best when in attack mode. He can handle it pretty well, and is a solid, not great decision-maker. He needs to continue to add strength as he gets older, which should happen, but the tools are there for him to be a high-level college player who excels on the offensive end in every facet of the game.”

JUSTICE WILLIAMS
“Activated” #RawSports #JusticeWilliams #LSU pic.twitter.com/l6n5RgoX4b

— Big Star (@BigStarRawSport) December 30, 2021

Williams missed the first five games of play due to an ankle injury. He also thought about departing LSU after his freshman year. His best scoring performance came on Jan. 14 against Alabama (nine) and played 35 minutes one week later against Tennessee. He brings a major presence to the conference and an RMU team that lost Enoch Cheeks and Michael Green III to the transfer portal plus Kahliel Spear graduating.

The post Former Four-Star Recruit and LSU Guard Justice Williams Commits to Robert Morris appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Pittsburgh Sports Now has learned that 6’7″ wing Mykell Robinson, from Ranger Junior College in Texas, will be making an official visit this weekend to Robert Morris.

Coming out of high school in Missouri City, Texas, Robinson elected to attend Sunrise Christian Academy Prep School before attending college. Robinson was a 3-star recruit in the Class of 2020. With an offer list that included UMass, Minnesota, San Diego, Austin Peay and Mississippi Valley State, Robinson decided to stay home and play for North Texas.

However, after just one season, Robinson left North Texas and ended up at Ranger JC. In 34 games last season, Robinson averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, while shooting 43.2% from the field and 32.4% from 3-point range.

Andy Toole is looking to replace veteran graduate Kahiel Spear and transfers Enoch Cheeks, Michael Green III, Matt Mayers, and Tristian Jeffries. The Colonials finished 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Horizon League play. 

The post Robert Morris Basketball To Host JUCO Wing Mykell Robinson This Weekend appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

A 6-foot-7 redshirt junior, Hastings averaged 8.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 31 games (29 starts) last season. In two years at Western Michigan the Grand Rapids, Michigan native scored 537 total points and grabbed 561 rebounds, 183 on the offensive end. An improved but inconsistent three-point shooter – upping his shooting from 4-of-29 (14%) to 16-of-77 (21%) – Hastings played in over 28 minutes per contest and shot 47% from the field.

One inconsistent issue that plagued Robert Morris throughout the 2022-23 campaign was free throw shooting. Hastings shot 69% at the line in 58 total attempts. His greatest strengths are offensive rebounding, shot-blocking (36 in two years), and forcing steals (51).

During his sophomore (3.0) and junior (2.9) seasons, Hastings punished MAC opponents on the offensive boards and registered eight double-doubles. He frequently recorded more rebounds than points and grabbed as many as 20 and 19 offensive rebounds on Jan. 6 and Jan. 31. 

The newest RMU commit spent two years at Butler and averaged 9.5 minutes in 2020-21. He appeared in 15 games as a Bulldog before becoming a Bronco.

Andy Toole is looking to replace veteran graduate Kahiel Spear and transfers Enoch Cheeks, Michael Green III, Matt Mayers, and Tristian Jeffries. The Colonials finished 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Horizon League play. 

The post Robert Morris Lands Transfer Forward Markeese Hastings appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

UD ARENA IM COMING #GoFlyers pic.twitter.com/Sne26Duues

— Enoch Cheeks (@enochcheeks) March 31, 2023

Cheeks played three seasons for the Colonials from 2020-23, starting 67 of the 78 games he appeared in. He averaged 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for head coach Andy Toole and played his best basketball this past year. Cheeks totaled 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in a team-high 33.4 minutes spanning 31 games (all starts).

He became the fourth Colonial to enter the transfer portal, following Michael Green III, Matt Mayers, and Tristian Jeffries. Cheeks shot 45% from the field, 36% behind the arc, and 79% at the free-throw line as a one-two punch with graduate forward Kahliel Spear.

Toole will need to replace Cheeks, Green III, and Spear – RMU’s three best players – after defeating IUPUI in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament and falling to Cleveland State in the final moments after holding the lead for the majority of play. RMU finished the season 16-17 overall and 10-10 in conference action.

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Cheeks played three seasons for the Colonials after committing to Robert Morris out of high school. He averaged 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 78 games (67 starts).

This past year was Cheeks’ best, averaging 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in a team-high 33.4 minutes, shooting nearly 45% from the floor. The Providence, Rhode Island native becomes the fourth RMU men’s basketball player to enter the portal. 

Michael Green III, Tristian Jeffries, Matt Mayers had previously entered the transfer portal after spending the 2022-23 season at RMU. Green III was the most notable Colonial to hit the portal, playing a significant role off the bench and hitting a game-winning three to defeat IUPUI in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament.

Head coach Andy Toole will also be without graduate forward Kahliel Spear after using his final year of eligibility.

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The Colonials’ loss is the third against the Vikings this year. This loss also makes it two straight years they have fell in the Horizon League Quarterfinals to the Vikings.

RMU head coach Andrew Toole and graduate forward Kahliel Spear spoke on the difficult loss and what this means for themselves and the program going forward.

The post WATCH: Andrew Toole, Kahliel Spear Speak on No. 6 RMU Loss to No. 3 Cleveland State appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.