By PAUL GOTHAM
For the first three years of his college career, Fordham’s Ryan Rhoomes served in the primary role of a lane clog. The forward from Jamiaca, New York led the Rams in rebounds per game the past two seasons and in blocks a year ago. Offensive production from the 6-8 forward seemed like an afterthought as if a missed shot by one of his teammates served as substitute for a post entry pass.
That was then.
Rhoomes netted 25 on 8-of-12 shooting Wednesday night as Fordham (10-3/1-1) defeated the La Salle Explorers, 66-61. It was the senior forward’s third 20-point effort on the season. Through his first three seasons, Rhoomes topped double figures on 13 occasions. This season he has scored 10 or more in all but one game.
“Through the first three years of his career he was asked to be an outstanding rebounder and a good defensive presence but really not a whole lot was asked of him offensively,” first-year coach Jeff Neubauer said earlier this week during the Atlantic 10 tele-conference. “Part of it is us just saying ‘hey, we’re going to throw you the ball,’ and he really hasn’t had that opportunity through his career.”
Rhoomes has responded by doubling his output from 6.4 points per game a year ago to 14.2.
“He has learned very well,” Neubauer said noting his player’s work with Fordham assistant Rodney Crawford. “Ryan has really improved as far as being patient in the post catching the ball and understanding what he’s trying to do. His patience has really helped him. He’s improved as a post player.”
Yes, the Rams send the ball to the post more frequently, and Rhoomes is making efficient use of the opportunities. Per KenPom, Rhoomes hoists 20.1 percent of Fordham’s shots – up from 10.9 last season. He has taken the opportunity and converted it into an effective field goal percentage (metric that takes into account the increased value of a 3-point shot) that ranks 10th in the country at 68.3. He is nearly a percentage point better than Oklahoma’s Ryan Spangler and Wayne Selden of Kansas.
“He just seems confident, and they’re taking advantage of his athleticism,” George Washington’s Mike Lonergan stated. “He’s got good hands. He’s more than doubled his scoring output, so he’s having a heckuva year.”
Rhoomes needed just seven shots to score a dozen against George Washington. He added nine rebounds in a 69-63 loss.
“He does a really good job of posting up and getting guys to front him,” Lonergan added. “Even though we said not to front ever we got caught in a trap a couple times. They’re looking for him.”
Thing is, this not really anything new. As a sophomore, he finished with an eFG% of 66.7 and ranked third in the nation offensive rating at 134.7. His field goal percentage ranked 12th in the country at 66.7 percent, but he played just 58.1 percent (as compared to 71.1 currently) of the minutes and took a total of 123 shots for the season. Two games into the conference season this year and Rhoomes has 101 attempts. He is 19th in the land with field goal percentage of 68.3.
“He’s always been a good rebounder,” La Salle’s Dr. John Giannini stated. “I just think he’s getting the ball a little bit more. Him and (Jon) Severe are kinda tied for second on the team in attempts. Last year he would have been much further down the line. I just think they’re probably utilizing him and getting him the ball a little bit more. To his credit he’s responded and played with confidence and being very effective.”
The senior has not yet earned Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Week in any of his three previous seasons. He’s halfway there.
Fordham travels to Richmond on Sunday. A 2 p.m. tip off is scheduled. The game will be televised on the NBC Sports Network.
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