Men's and Women's Basketball Teams Hold Second Annual Meet the Players Dinner

Oct. 30, 2007

WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Tonight, fans of the University of Rhode Island men's and women's basketball team gathered at Valley Country Club in West Warwick, R.I. to celebrate the upcoming 2007-08 seasons at the second annual Meet the Players dinner.

Steve McDonald, radio voice of the Rams men's basketball team, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. Head women's coach Tom Garrick and head men's coach Jim Baron spoke briefly before yielding the floor to the student-athletes, who introduced their teammates.

"We have been working very hard in practice the last few weeks," Garrick said. "This is looking to be the best team that I have coached here and I am excited to get the season going on Nov. 9 against Sacred Heart. We are all looking forward to the season and representing the University of Rhode Island as best we can."

Led by senior and top returning scorer Safi Mojidi, the Rams return nine players from a season ago. Mojidi, a 2007-08 Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Second Team selection, averaged 15.9 last year. She is joined by fellow returning starters Amanda McGrew (8.9 ppg), Tanja Licina (5.8 ppg), Sierra Cooper (5.7 ppg) and LaQuanda Brandon (5.5 ppg).

The men's basketball team also kicks off the 2007-08 regular season on Nov. 9, as they host Florida Atlantic in the opening game of the Glenn Wilkes Classic. The Rams return four of five starters from a season ago, including top returning scorer Will Daniels (17.4 ppg) - who was named to the 2007-08 A-10 Preseason First Team. Joining Daniels are returning starters Jimmy Baron (14.6 ppg), Kahiem Seawright (11.3) and Parfait Bitee (7.2 ppg).

"Last season, we were picked 11th and made it all the way to the championship game," Baron said. "This year, we were picked second and Keith Cothran reminded everyone the other day that we haven't done anything yet. We will continue to work hard, continue to focus, continue to do things the right way on and off the court, and continue to push the pace and be the Runnin' Rams this season."

Tickets for all Rams home games are on sale now and can be purchased at the Ryan Center box office, or by logging onto ticketmaster.com. Fans can also order tickets by phone by calling Ticketmaster at (401) 331-2211.