Russell named to Naismith defensive team

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Wednesday offered further validation of the obvious concerning Fatts Russell.

The University of Rhode Island guard has been one of the premier defenders in the nation this season, and his efforts have now been officially recognized. Russell was one of 15 players named to the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Midseason Team.

The Rams junior entered an Atlantic 10 showdown with Duquesne averaging 3.24 steals per game, second only to Richmond guard Jacob Gilyard and his 3.28. Russell and Gilyard are the only two players to make the Naismith list who play for teams outside the Power 5 or Big East.

“I pride myself on the defensive end,” Russell said following last week’s 71-61 victory at Saint Joseph’s. “I go out every day trying to be one of the best defenders in the country. That’s part of my game.”

Russell has now recorded multiple steals in each of URI’s first 18 games this season, collecting four more in Wednesday’s 77-55 victory over the Dukes. His 59 to date are three more than the 56 he posted as a sophomore through 32 games. Per KenPom.com, Russell takes the ball away on 4.98% of opposing possessions.

Russell’s sticky fingers have him poised to rewrite a certain section of the Rams record book. He’s now tied with Tom Garrick (1986-87) and Keith Cothran (2007-08) for the fifth-most steals in a single season at URI. Only Garrick (88, 1987-88), Stanford Robinson (69, 2017-18), Jeff Kent (63, 1991-92) and Keith Cothran (61, 2009-10) have recorded more steals in a season for the Rams.

Tate to Siena

One of URI’s midseason transfers appears to have found a new home.

Sophomore forward Dana Tate has committed to Siena after a weekend visit. Tate announced his decision on his social media accounts Saturday.

Tate was suspended for the final three games of his Rams career due to an unspecified violation of team rules. He started the season as the sixth man in the rotation and averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 19.5 minutes. Tate was the first commitment in a recruiting Class of 2018, which was widely considered the best in the conference.

Antwan Walker, Mekhi Long and Jacob Toppin have absorbed the bulk of Tate’s minutes off the bench. Walker and Long each hit for nine points in Saturday’s 66-63 win over La Salle, as the URI bench enjoyed a 20-11 advantage over the Explorers.

No official public announcements have been made regarding freshman guard Gregory Hammond and his next landing spot. Hammond left the Rams after appearing in just four games.

Movement afoot

URI’s staff wore sneakers Wednesday night as part of the annual Coaches vs. Cancer initiative sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

This is the lone Rams home game during the week of awareness, which runs from Monday to Sunday. URI plays at St. Bonaventure on Saturday.

“Honored to be a small part of such a big cause tonight,” URI coach David Cox tweeted Wednesday afternoon. “God bless all who have fallen victim or are currently battling cancer, as well as their family and friends.”

Coaches vs. Cancer was founded in 1993 and has raised more than $100 million to combat the disease. Visit cancer.org or nabc.com for more information.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25