Runnin' Rams

Book excerpt: One hundred years ago, the game of basketball was introduced to Rhode Island State College, a small agricultural school in the village of Kingston. The sport became the centerpiece of the college's athletic program. With the arrival in 1920 of coach Frank W. Keaney, the student body, faculty, and community embraced the teams with enthusiastic support, and a tradition of excellence was launched. With his incorporation of the fast break and the full court press, Keaney led his Rams to national prominence, with high-scoring teams and a challenge for a national championship in 1946. After the college became the University of Rhode Island in 1951, the traditions of basketball excitement and excellence continued. Conference championships, postseason bids, and All-Americans have enriched the history of Rhode Island Rams basketball, as has the introduction of full varsity status for women's basketball. Along with highlighting the teams, players, and coaches, Runnin' Rams: University of Rhode Island Basketball also portrays the exciting environment in which the games have been played.