Hurley selling URI hoops, adding talent

KINGSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Even though the college basketball season is still six months away, new University of Rhode Island head coach Dan Hurley is already hard at work.

His first mission: selling the program to fans and alumni across the Ocean State.  Hurley is in the midst of "Plan 60," a two month tour of the area with the goal to rebuild the Rams' brand damaged by a tough 7-24 campaign last season.

Towards that end, Hurley has already added four players to the roster.

"When you need to fix the culture and atmosphere the way that we need to around the program right now, I think it's really important that you understand the kids that you're bringing in and that they're going to have the character to add a lot to what you're doing," said Hurley.

The latest recruit is guard Xavier Munford , a transfer from Iowa Western Community College.  He joins Jarell Reischell, Jordan Hare, and Gilvydas Birtua though Birtua will have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer regulations.

"From a basketball standpoint, we've added players whose skills are really going to help us on the court to help elevate our program in the Atlantic 10," said Hurley.

And Hurley is also selling his vision of the program to the team's remaining players.

"We've gotten a good chance to get to know them, and there's a number of guys in the program who want to be part of our solution," said Hurley.

The "Plan 60" events continue throughout May and June with stops at schools, golf courses, and even a PawSox baseball game.

But Hurley says that the events won't keep him and his staff from continuing to think about ways to improve the team."

"Recruiting never stops," Hurley said. "We feel like we've got such a great product that we're selling -- this University, the area, the basketball piece."