Rhode Island Basketball: Daron Russell commits to Rams

Rhode Island basketball has landed their first recruit in the class of 2017.

With E.C. Matthews heading into his senior year and Jarvis Garrett approaching his junior campaign, Rhode Island is prepping for their future at the point guard position.

Three-star 2017 guard Daron Russell committed to Rhode Island on Tuesday evening over Grand Canyon, La Salle, Western Kentucky, SMU and Seton Hall. The 5’10” Philadelphia native is labeled as a three-star recruit, according to ESPN, and is ranked as the 5th best player in the state of Pennsylvania.

Today was perfect???? pic.twitter.com/Q7XlWNnG9U

— fatts (@daron_russell) September 21, 2016

Russell is lightning quick ball handler who makes plays in the open court and can change direction on a dime. The Imhotep Institute Charter High School prospect is fearless, possesses excellent leadership skills and has the swagger and confidence to develop into a stud in the Atlantic 10.

He didn’t receive any offers from any Power Five schools, but Russell is a four-year player who has high major potential.

This summer on the Nike EYBL Circuit, Russell averaged 12 points, shot 36 percent from the field and dished out 4.4 assists per game for Team Final (PA). Russell followed up his Nike EYBL regular season performance with an impressive display during the Nike Peach Jam.

In five games, the point guard averaged 21.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, while shooting 46 percent from the field overall and 56 percent from beyond the arc.

Russell showed off his tremendous feel for the game, ability to penetrate the defense and potential to knock down shots from long range.

One thing that was really impressive is that Russell made both of his shots from distance, and overall looked very comfortable shooting as well as attacking off of the dribble. Because of his size he will never be great at finishing around the rim, but he still does a good job of getting into the lane and making solid decisions.

Russell’s commitment is the first addition for Rhode Island in the class of 2017. If Dan Hurley’s recruiting class a year from now is as talented as his 2016 class, the Rams should feel pretty good about their standing in the Atlantic 10.

The Rams are adding four three-star recruits this season, including center Mike Layssard Jr., point guard Jeff Dowtin, center Michael Tertsea and power forward Cyril Langevine.

Making their first NCAA Tournament since 1999 this season, could help them add a couple more three or four star recruits before the 2017-18 season kicks off. But regardless, Hurley has to feel set at the point guard position for years to come.