MaxPreps 2013-14 Rhode Island preseason boys basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. La Salle Academy (Providence)
2012-13 finish: 19-7
Head coach: Eric Simonelli

Keon Wilson, a talented football player and guard for the Rams, will also head a talented young group of players for his school’s basketball team. The Rams were knocked out of the Division 1 tournament in the second round by Hope. Fellow seniors Dexter Thompson and Brenden Benoit, two first-team all state Division 1 North players, along with Damon Gomes and Adrian Lefleur, both of whom were named to the Division 1 North state second team, will join Wilson on the most loaded public school team in Rhode Island.

2. Classical (Providence)
2012-13 finish: 24-6 (State champions)
Head coach: John Kavanagh

The Purple are sure to be motivated coming into the season to defend their state championship title. Top point guard Kealen Ives (21.8 points per game, 5.4 assists) is widely considered the best at his position in the state. He returns along with core players Oscar Morales, who was second-team all-state last year, and Thomas Mckierman.  Junior guard Will Leviton is also expected to show improvement this year.

3. Hope (Providence)
2012-13 finish: 15-13 (Division 1 champions)
Head coach: David Nyblom

The defending Division 1 champions will have to do without all-state forward Emmanuel Kargbo (18.6 points per game). They have six returning players, though, including 6-4 Benjamin Vezele, a second team Division 1 Central player.

4. North Kingstown
2012-13 finish: 22-4
Head coach: Aaron Thomas

The Skippers lost eight seniors to graduation, including leading scorer Owen Heath and James Pratt, who had a team-high 18 points for North Kingston in its state championship title loss to Classical. Center Grant Gillis, who stands 6-7, will be a huge part of the rebuilding process.

5. Mt. Pleasant (Providence)
2012-13 finish: 14-8
Head coach: Charles Holliday

Titus Kargbo, a 6-4 senior power forward for the Kilties, will continue to be the muscle down low for an experienced group of players. Mt. Pleasant fell in the second round of the state playoffs to Coventry, 71-66, and will likely have enough talent to go further this season.