PHILADELPHIA — Three weeks into the season, it has become apparent that Jim Baron was serious when he said he would take advantage of his team’s depth this year.

As his URI squad prepared to play Villanova last night in the title game of the Philly Hoop Group Classic, Baron was not overly concerned about playing for the second night in a row, and for the seventh time in 15 days. Having so many players ready to contribute makes the hectic schedule easier to handle for the Rams.

Depth definitely is a strength. The team has so much depth that Baron is using different rotations. He is changing the way he uses his players according to the opponent.

Here is a look at each of the 12 scholarship players and how they are being used:

• Jimmy Baron: He is among the national leaders in 3-point field goals made, but anyone who has followed URI knows his biggest improvement is in other aspects. He is far more capable of taking the ball off the dribble. The work he did in California in strengthening his body (he has lost weight and gained strength) has made him a more complete player.

• Kahiem Seawright: As he has been for four years, he is the team’s warrior, the guy who does all of the dirty work. He has extended his shooting range, although at times he tries to do too much in that department. While Baron is more of a calm leader, Seawright is the emotional leader, and an excellent one, at that.

• Keith Cothran: He is a candidate for most improved player around. He has developed into a first-rate star. He had six 3-point baskets in the last two games before last night, showing shooting range he has not had before. He also handles the ball better, helping him get to the basket.

• Delroy James: His rapid development into a solid, multi-faceted player has been another major key to the team playing well. After missing three semesters for academic reasons, he lacked consistency when he joined the team last December. He was given Will Daniels’ starting forward spot and has settled in nicely. His rebounding, in particular, has been a big help.

• Marquis Jones: If Cothran wasn’t doing what he is, Jones would be the guy drawing the “most improved” raves. He was a bit player as a freshman behind Parfait Bitee. But, given a chance to see regular duty, he has responded with far better play than could have been expected. He is a great fit, a point guard willing to distribute.

• Lamonte Ulmer: He’s one guy who has been a bit lost in the shuffle thus far. He has played well. But with all of the depth, his action has been limited to 18-20 minutes. He seems to be anxious to do more, to break out to another level the way his Connecticut buddy, Cothran, has.

• Ben Eaves: The transfer from Connecticut is still finding his niche after sitting out a year. At 6-foot-7, he can help both inside and out. No one seems sure yet exactly where he best fits in. What is clear is that he has lots of talent and will be a nice player over the next three years.

• Jason Francis: Knee problems have limited the big man’s ability to work, leaving him in less-than-peak condition, thus cutting back his playing time. The new, even more Sup-tempo style also does not help him. But he is a power guy who will be needed when the Rams play bigger, more physical teams.

• Will Martell: Another pleasant surprise. After playing a total of only 27 minutes in his freshman year, no one was sure if the 7-footer was ready for play at this level. But he has gained weight, strength and confidence and has become a nice force off the bench. He has made major contributions in several games, including against Penn State Friday. He is a nice extra weapon, a guy whose future suddenly seems bright.

• Stevie Mejia: He is ahead of where Jones was at this point last season. He came in billed as a defensive specialist. He has struggled a bit in that area, due in part to the need to develop more strength. But his offense, both distributing the ball and shooting from behind the arc, is better than billed. With him and Jones, the Rams look set at the point for the next three years.

• Jamal Wilson: He looks and plays a lot like Cothran did when he arrived. He is long and lean and athletic, a good fit for the up-tempo system. He appears to be a good prospect. But with so much depth, his time figures to be limited for this year.

• Orion Outerbridge: It was a surprise when he saw four minutes of action against Hartford last week. That was his first action of the season. It was thought that he might be red-shirted, but now that will not happen. The 6-9 forward is much like Wilson. He has impressed at practice and appears to be a legitimate prospect. But with so many others battling for work, he will get most of his work this year at practice.

pkenyon@projo.com