The Rhode Island men’s basketball program announced two staff additions and one promotion. Former player R.J. Johnson has joined the Rams as a graduate assistant, while Kelin Jeffreys was named as the team’s video coordinator. Chandler Graves was promoted to assistant coach/chief of staff.
Graves earned his third promotion in four years at Rhode Island. He first joined the staff as director of operations before the 2023-24 season. A year later, he was promoted to assistant coach/director of operations. As the assistant coach/chief of staff, he oversees all behind-the-scenes operations for the program while also assisting with on-court player development.
“Chandler has worn a number of hats for us through the years, continuously taking on more responsibilities,” Rhode Island head coach Archie Miller said. “There is a reason he has earned multiple promotions. His dedication to the program and his work ethic are invaluable.”
Johnson played the 2025-26 season with the Rams after three seasons at Charleston Southern. He began his career at Holy Cross. Over the course of his career, Johnson scored 1,355 points to go with 485 assists and 110 steals.
A true floor general with a deep understanding of the game, he has been working with the program throughout the offseason with a focus on player development.
“RJ knows the game and he understands what we are trying to accomplish as a program,” Miller said. “As he transitions into a coaching career, he also provides an added layer of consistency for the team. He relates well to the players as well as he does with the coaching staff.”
Jeffreys comes to Rhode Island after four seasons with the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball program. He began as a student manager, working his way up to head manager and overseeing a team of 10 student managers for the Bearcats.
Last season, Jeffreys was the team’s assistant video coordinator. In that role, he filmed and coded practices and games; prepare scouting materials for upcoming opponents; and perform additional video, scouting, or operational tasks assigned by the video coordinator. He also has worked as a camp counselor for Wes Miller Basketball Camps in Cincinnati and for Paul Hogan Camps in Concord, N.H.
“Kelin has been involved with a very successful program at Cincinnati for the last four years,” Miller said. “Individuals who have a background as a student manager are highly productive, hard-working people who had a lot of value behind the scenes. Kelin has a bright future and we are excited to bring him on board.
