Rhode Island coach Dan Hurley continues to rebuild the Rams with transfers and quality recruits.
The Rams on Thursday secured a commitment from former Texas Tech point guard DeShon “Biggie” Minnis, a Philadelphia native who will have three years of eligibility left after sitting out next season in the Atlantic 10.
He averaged 2.8 points and 1.4 assists last season.
The 6-foot-3, 203-pound Minnis also had interest from George Mason, LaSalle, George Washington and Dayton.
“Just the coaching staff,” he told SNY.tv by phone when asked why he picked Rhody. “Danny and Bobby [Hurley] and Preston [Murphy]. They are cool guys and I felt like I was at home.”
Minnis, who came out of Atlantic City (N.J.) Egg Harbor Township High, visited Rutgers and Dayton unofficially in high school but qualified late.
He reminds the current staff of Wagner point guard Kenny Ortiz, who helped the Seahawks to a 25-6 record this year under Hurley.
Minnis joins Rutgers transfer Gillie Biruta, a forward, and Rice transfer Jarelle Reischel, a wing, as well as high school forwards Mike Aaman and Jordan Hare.
“I’ll just get better, my jump shot better and come in that next year and contibute to the team,” he said. “I’ll get my players involved in the game.”
