In the 1936-37 season, the Rhode Island Rams men’s basketball team won the New England Conference championship with a record of 14-3. It was the program’s first conference championship. The team was led by head coach Frank Keaney, who is considered one of the most influential figures in college basketball history. Keaney pioneered the concept of a fast-paced, high-scoring style of play that he called the “Rhody style,” which was characterized by aggressive defense, full-court pressing, and rapid ball movement. Keaney coached the Rams for 27 years, compiling a record of 401-124 and leading the team to eight conference championships and six NCAA Tournament appearances.