VCU Rams
Atlantic 10 (25-7, 16-2)
VCU missed the NCAA Tournament last year for the first time since 2010. Most expected the Rams to miss out again, but Coach Mike Rhoades and company had other plans. The young Rams did not get off to a great start, but did show signs of their future with an early December victory at Texas. After that average 7-4 start to the season, VCU went 18-3 to finish the regular season.
Big Wins: 11/19 vs Temple (57-51), 11/24 Hofstra (69-67), 12/5 at Texas (54-53)
Bad Losses: 12/15 Charleston (79-83), 1/12 at Davidson (57-64), 1/23 at Rhode Island (65-71)
Coach: Mike Rhoades
Why They Can Surprise:
VCU’s impressive A-10 record was largely due to their strong defense. The opposition scores just 61.2 points per game and shoots a mere 38.2 percent from the floor. Much of the strong defense comes from the shot blocking abilities of Marcus Santos-Silva and Corey Douglas. That sophomore duo combine for 2.7 blocks per game and even the larger teams that face the Rams in the NCAA Tournament will not have an easy time attacking the basket when those two are in the paint. The defenders on the perimeter make plenty of big plays too, led by Marcus Evans and his 1.9 steals per game. Evans is also the team’s top scorer, averaging 13.8 points per game.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Coach Rhoades has consistently gone ten or 11 players deep this season and that keeps his players fresh. That is a big reason why the Rams can consistently play solid, aggressive defense. However, there are not many consistent scorers. When Santos-Silva is not on the floor, the frontcourt lacks a true offensive post presence. Issac Vann, a 6-6 forward, is a good scorer also, but is not a back to the basket scorer. The three-point shooting is a concern too. De’Riante Jenkins is the only consistent and prolific outside shooter and if he has an off day, VCU will struggle to create space for the other scorers to attack the basket.
Probable Starters:
Marcus Evans, Junior, Guard, 13.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.9 spg
De’Riante Jenkins, Junior, Guard, 11.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.1 apg
Issac Vann, Junior, Forward, 10.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Marcus Santos-Silva, Sophomore, Forward, 10.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Sean Mobley, Sophomore, Forward, 4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg
Key Role Players:
Corey Douglas, Sophomore, Forward, 3.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.6 bpg
Vince Williams, Freshman, Guard, 4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Malik Crowfield, Junior, Guard, 3.5 ppg
Mike’L Simms, Junior, Guard, 4.7 ppg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 71.5 (207th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 61.2 (7, 1)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.4 (183, 6)
Field-Goal Defense: 38.2 (6, 1)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.2 (231, 8)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 30.6 (332, 12)
Free-Throw Percentage: 69.9 (196, 6)
Rebound Margin: 1.3 (142, 5)
Assists Per Game: 13.9 (133, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.0 (271, 12)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
| 2017 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Saint Mary's |
| 2016 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over Oregon State |
| 2016 | NCAA | Round of 32 loss to Oklahoma |
| 2015 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Ohio State |
| 2014 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Stephen F. Austin |
| 2013 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over Akron |
| 2013 | NCAA | Round of 32 loss to Michigan |
| 2012 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over Wichita State |
| 2012 | NCAA | Round of 32 loss to Indiana |
| 2011 | NCAA | Opening Round win over USC |
| 2011 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over Georgetown |
| 2011 | NCAA | Round of 32 win over Purdue |
| 2011 | NCAA | Regional Semifinal win over Florida State |
| 2011 | NCAA | Regional Final win over Kansas |
| 2011 | NCAA | National Semifinal loss to Butler |
| 2010 | CBI | First Round win over George Washington |
| 2010 | CBI | Second Round win over Charleston |
| 2010 | CBI | Semifinal win over Boston University |
| 2010 | CBI | Final win over St. Louis |
| 2009 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to UCLA |
| 2008 | NIT | First Round loss to UAB |
| 2007 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over Duke |
| 2007 | NCAA | Round of 32 loss to Pittsburgh |
*all team stats through 3/10
