The VCU Rams - Page 10 - Basketball Forum : Professional and College Basketball Forums

DistrictBaller · 10-15-2012, 08:55 AM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...ess/index.html

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There are still some programs that operate the old school way, using the first practice as, you know, a first practice, and would it surprise you in any way to find out that VCU is one of the teams that doesn't have Midnight Madness? For the Rams, it's all business, all the time.

"That's who we are. That's what we do," said senior point guard Darius Theus. "We're going to bring our style of play into the A-10."

That style of play is called 'Havoc', because, as head coach Shaka Smart likes to say, they try to wreak havoc for 40 minutes. More specifically, what VCU does is pressure full court, looking to force turnovers by getting their opponents out of a comfort zone, and use those turnovers to get easy shots in transition. While the style is much different from that of a team coached by Bo Ryan or John Beilein, the bottom line is that Smart is a system coach. And, like those two, he recruits players to the strengths of his system. His roster is loaded with quick, athletic guards -- Darius Theus, Rob Brandenberg, Briante Weber, Melvin Johnson, Teddy Okereafor -- that love defending in the full-court and playing at the top of VCU's pressure. With Troy Daniels and Treveon Graham out there to shoot the ball and Juvonte Reddic and D.J. Haley protecting the rim, Smart has an ideal roster for a team that wants to spend 40 minutes causing havoc.

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From a purely basketball perspective, VCU expects Treveon Graham to fill the void left by Burgess. Graham, who stands 6-5, showed the ability to score in bursts as a freshman, averaging 7.3 points in just under 17 minutes last season. He also proved himself as a capable rebounder and defender. Graham only shot 31.3 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, but Smart is hoping that with a larger role and more playing time comes more consistency.

"[Treveon] will benefit from Brad moving on, and I'm really excited about him. The thing I'm most looking forward to about him is he's going to have more opportunity," Smart said at Atlantic 10 media day earlier this month. "Last year he was at times stuck behind Brad. He played with him at times, but now it's his deal and he knows that."

"You're talking about a kid who's very young for his grade, he's still 18 years old and he's a sophomore in college. He's still shooting the ball well and he's extremely strong so we're excited about him."

Smart isn't the only person excited about Graham's potential; Luke Winn listed him as one of the sophomores he predicts will have a breakout sophomore campaign.

VCU is no longer a member of the CAA, but that doesn't mean that the Rams aren't going to be expected to compete for a conference title. They were predicted to finish third in the Atlantic 10, earning three first-place votes in the poll. They'll likely find a place is every preseason top 25 poll that is released. This may be a new conference, but this is the same VCU team. Expect to see them have the same level of success.

JD Hoops · 10-15-2012, 11:37 AM

Make no mistake I am a huge Rams fan, but I am no apologist for Ram Nation. I sat through games over the last two season with losses to Ga State and teams like Northeastern in large part because the shooting % were dredful at times. Its easy to downplay the lose of any player. Thats coaching 101, but the fact remains every Ram fans saw teams make runs when Burgess was off the floor. Burgess shot 36.7% from 3pt country and while Daniels shot 38.1 the team as a whole was 33.4% (#211). Compare this % to a Temple 39.7%, St. Joes 36.3%, St. Louis 36.6% and you find that the A-10 simply appear to have better shooters. As to turnovers, this can not even be addressed without talking about the guard play in the A-10 versus the CAA. I do not expect VCU to eclipse the 17.5 mark in the season ahead. The A-10 has much better point and shooting guards and if you compare the steals and turnover % to the CAA I think its fair to say that it will be more difficult this season than last for VCU to rely on the turnovers. Shooting and rebounding must improve, especially when you face squads like Umass (39.5) St. Joes (36.3) and Temple (34.8) who all also shoot at 50% clip. I know there is a big expectation, but as a fan who watched as many A-10 games at Robins Center as Rams games at Siegal.....the A-10 is a beast compared to the CAA in terms of regular season opposition.

DistrictBaller · 10-15-2012, 11:48 AM

I don't think anyone is disagreeing with you. The shooting percentages have to improve, I think that's what everyone is saying.

If you look at our performance against non-CAA competition, our turnover numbers are similarly impressive. There are definitely better guards across the board in general in the A-10 versus the CAA, but we didn't put up those numbers because we were playing in the CAA. We faced good teams in the OOC and turned many of them over just as effectively.

The key is not so much rebounding as it is hitting shots. Rebounding will help no doubt and front court play will be tougher in the A-10, but in Shaka's system we won't ever have dominating rebounding numbers because of the way we play.

JD Hoops · 10-15-2012, 12:20 PM

That very well may be true, but Shaka may have to adjust to an new set of parameters given the defensive board %. These are what kept teams like GMU and Drexel in games against VCU. I do not think those games would have been nearly as competitive given the number of turnovers had they rebounded defensively. Haley and Reddic must step up, regardless of the "system" and increase the number of boards VCU gets in the A-10. I think if you review last season losses to Seton Hall, Ga Tech and the game to Drexel you will see how lossing by 5% basis points on the boards equals a loss, especially on the road or at nuetral site when the turnover margin % is tighter.Obviously, it becomes a non-issue on offensive boards when you are hitting shots, but the pressure on opposing backcourts contributes to missed FG's which will require us to rebound more effectively. When we don't on the defensive end we give up easy put backs like against GMU and Drexel last season as well.

DistrictBaller · 10-18-2012, 08:18 AM

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- Word out of Richmond is that VCU power forward Juvonte Reddic has been a monster early in practice for the Rams — and that’s a great sign considering this program’s decision to join the Atlantic-10. If Reddic can take his game to the next level, it will greatly enhance VCU’s chances of finishing in the top quarter of their conference and making the NCAA Tournament. Last year as a sophomore, Reddic averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/10/...basketball-22/

paulxu · 10-18-2012, 08:39 AM

To recognize the arrival of VCU to our conference, the Xavier Musketeers have been experiencing serious "havoc" since last December. I think we will be well prepared for your visit to the Cintas center in February.

DistrictBaller · 10-18-2012, 09:47 AM

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcspor...nt-luh-oh-ded/

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You’ll be hard-pressed to find a conference race that will be more entertaining to follow than the Atlantic 10.

For starters, there are now 16 teams in this conference, which, with a 16 game league schedule, means that each team will only be playing one conference opponent in a home-and-home. You need to make up a game or two in the standings? Don’t count on winning head-to-head. You’ll have to hope someone slips up on the road. That, in all likelihood, will happen quite often, however, because of the 16 A-10 teams, six — six!!! — received a first-place vote in the preseason poll. Those six teams didn’t include Xavier, Dayton or Richmond, who are three of the best programs in the league.

I hope they already have clearly defined end-of-the-year tie-breakers.

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Predicted Finish

1. VCU: I believe in ‘Havoc’. VCU is really good at running their system, forcing turnovers and getting their opponents to play out of control. And the talent on the roster is good enough to succeed at this level.

DistrictBaller · 10-19-2012, 08:35 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-...13--ncaab.html

Quote:

If the ACC is basketball's biggest conference realignment winner because of the additions of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame, then the revamped Atlantic 10 certainly isn't too far behind.

This season, the league welcomes newcomers VCU and Butler, two of the nation's glamor mid-major programs the past few years. Add those two to an already improving league that won't lose Temple to the Big East for one more season, and the result is a particularly formidable Atlantic 10 that lacks a truly elite team but appears to have at least a half dozen NCAA tournament contenders

Trying to pick a preseason Atlantic 10 favorite is a fool's errand this year because any of consensus the top six teams could make a legitimate case.

College Hoops · 10-23-2012, 04:31 PM

I came across the following today:
Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein
VCU announces that both Jordan Burgess and Mo Alie-Cox are partial qualifiers. Both will not play for the Rams in 2012-13.

Flyer75 · 10-23-2012, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by College Hoops

I came across the following today:
Jon Rothstein &rlm;@JonRothstein
VCU announces that both Jordan Burgess and Mo Alie-Cox are partial qualifiers. Both will not play for the Rams in 2012-13.

At least they can still practice.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using VerticalSports.Com App

DistrictBaller · 10-23-2012, 06:51 PM

That is pretty old information at this point. That info came out October 4th.

Actually only Burgess can practice. Mo Alie-Cox cannot practice with the team.

DistrictBaller · 10-23-2012, 10:25 PM

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/sports...-i-ar-2306557/

Quote:

New Virginia Commonwealth athletics director Ed McLaughlin says the school is "in a really good place with a lead gift and in a really good place with a second lead gift" to help build a new basketball practice facility.

McLaughlin declined to name the potential donors at this point but said the privately funded facility is in the design stage. It was approved by the board of visitors in August of 2011 as part of the university's six-year capital plan.

The estimated cost then was $9-10 million, but McLaughlin said it could be more. He's not sure about a target date to begin construction, but is shooting for 2013, after this season ends.

Quote:

A-10 teams' unfamiliarity with VCU's pressing, fast-paced Havoc style may create an advantage for VCU. Of course, the disadvantage for the Rams is they are unfamiliar with A-10 teams.

"I kind of like it that we're playing a bunch of new teams because they haven't played against our style," Smart said.

He noted that any time you play new teams, "there are just certain things you don't know. For instance, any team that comes into the Siegel Center that hasn't been here before, they don't have that experience. I'm sure they've played in tough arenas in front of hostile crowds, but there's just no substitute for having been there before.

"We will be in that situation when we go on the road. ... It's going to be really important for us, particularly in those road games, to take on that mentality of we're willing to go into the unknown and do everything it takes to succeed."

College Hoops · 10-24-2012, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DistrictBaller

That is pretty old information at this point. That info came out October 4th.

Actually only Burgess can practice. Mo Alie-Cox cannot practice with the team.

DB, it may be old information to those who follow the VCU program closely, but for Rothstein who covers college bb and I suspect other individuals, it was new information. Other then depth, does this impact VCU?

DistrictBaller · 10-24-2012, 07:23 AM

No that Rothstein tweet was not recent at all. Also from October 4th. If you go back in this thread it was already brought up, and your same question asked and discussed.

You may have missed it, but there were national articles written on it at the time.

DistrictBaller · 10-24-2012, 02:22 PM

Jon Rothstein was at VCU today for our media day. Here is what he had to say.

www.twitter.com/JonRothstein

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Greetings from the Siegel Center. Here at VCU for for the day.

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Strong buzz here around the VCU campus. Home games for the Rams feel like an NFL experience.

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Treveon Graham is like a volcano --- he's just waiting to erupt. Would be shocked if he doesn't lead VCU in scoring.

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Briante Weber will be one of the better defensive guards + 6th men in the country. An absolute menace on the ball.

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So much Preston Knowles in Briante Weber...

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Juvonte Reddic has the body of a BCS level big --- now can he play like one consistently? HUGE piece for VCU. Should avg 13 and 8.

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So much Tyler Smith (Tennessee) in Juvonte Reddic.

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VCU's perimeter depth is their greatest strength. Six or seven really good players. Versatile.

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Small ball will still be a way of life for VCU. Going to the Atlantic 10 won't make the Rams play more traditonal. Plenty of 4G sets.

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Before the Atlantic 10, VCU will play in the Battle for Atlantis and host Wichita State, Alabama, Belmont, + Lehigh. Arduous task.

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Would expect Troy Daniels to slide down and play some undersized PF as well for VCU. Lethal shooter. Deep range.

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Jared Guest has a chance. Really impressed with his energy --- especially on the offensive glass. Could be VCU's first big off the bench.

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Early prediction on VCU starting five --- Darius Theus, Treveon Graham, Troy Daniels, Juvonte Reddic, D.J. Haley.....

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Would put Troy Daniels up against most shooters in America. Dude doesn't even ripple the cords when he cracks his wrist.

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Melvin Johnson has stiff competition for PT as a freshman but he's going to have a great career at VCU. Tailor made for the Rams.

10-15-2012, 11:37 AM	#137 (permalink)
JD Hoops Cross Town Rivals Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	re: The VCU Rams Make no mistake I am a huge Rams fan, but I am no apologist for Ram Nation. I sat through games over the last two season with losses to Ga State and teams like Northeastern in large part because the shooting % were dredful at times. Its easy to downplay the lose of any player. Thats coaching 101, but the fact remains every Ram fans saw teams make runs when Burgess was off the floor. Burgess shot 36.7% from 3pt country and while Daniels shot 38.1 the team as a whole was 33.4% (#211). Compare this % to a Temple 39.7%, St. Joes 36.3%, St. Louis 36.6% and you find that the A-10 simply appear to have better shooters. As to turnovers, this can not even be addressed without talking about the guard play in the A-10 versus the CAA. I do not expect VCU to eclipse the 17.5 mark in the season ahead. The A-10 has much better point and shooting guards and if you compare the steals and turnover % to the CAA I think its fair to say that it will be more difficult this season than last for VCU to rely on the turnovers. Shooting and rebounding must improve, especially when you face squads like Umass (39.5) St. Joes (36.3) and Temple (34.8) who all also shoot at 50% clip. I know there is a big expectation, but as a fan who watched as many A-10 games at Robins Center as Rams games at Siegal.....the A-10 is a beast compared to the CAA in terms of regular season opposition.

10-15-2012, 11:48 AM	#138 (permalink)
DistrictBaller Veteran Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,122 Rep Power: 47196	re: The VCU Rams I don't think anyone is disagreeing with you. The shooting percentages have to improve, I think that's what everyone is saying. If you look at our performance against non-CAA competition, our turnover numbers are similarly impressive. There are definitely better guards across the board in general in the A-10 versus the CAA, but we didn't put up those numbers because we were playing in the CAA. We faced good teams in the OOC and turned many of them over just as effectively. The key is not so much rebounding as it is hitting shots. Rebounding will help no doubt and front court play will be tougher in the A-10, but in Shaka's system we won't ever have dominating rebounding numbers because of the way we play. __________________ "We will wreak havoc on our opponent's psyche and plan of attack." - VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart

10-15-2012, 12:20 PM	#139 (permalink)
JD Hoops Cross Town Rivals Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	re: The VCU Rams That very well may be true, but Shaka may have to adjust to an new set of parameters given the defensive board %. These are what kept teams like GMU and Drexel in games against VCU. I do not think those games would have been nearly as competitive given the number of turnovers had they rebounded defensively. Haley and Reddic must step up, regardless of the "system" and increase the number of boards VCU gets in the A-10. I think if you review last season losses to Seton Hall, Ga Tech and the game to Drexel you will see how lossing by 5% basis points on the boards equals a loss, especially on the road or at nuetral site when the turnover margin % is tighter.Obviously, it becomes a non-issue on offensive boards when you are hitting shots, but the pressure on opposing backcourts contributes to missed FG's which will require us to rebound more effectively. When we don't on the defensive end we give up easy put backs like against GMU and Drexel last season as well.

10-18-2012, 08:39 AM	#141 (permalink)
paulxu Veteran Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,359 Rep Power: 309022	re: The VCU Rams To recognize the arrival of VCU to our conference, the Xavier Musketeers have been experiencing serious "havoc" since last December. I think we will be well prepared for your visit to the Cintas center in February. __________________ *...he went up late, and I was already up there.*

10-23-2012, 04:31 PM	#144 (permalink)
College Hoops 6th Man Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 336 Rep Power: 8224	re: The VCU Rams I came across the following today: Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein VCU announces that both Jordan Burgess and Mo Alie-Cox are partial qualifiers. Both will not play for the Rams in 2012-13.

10-23-2012, 06:51 PM	#146 (permalink)
DistrictBaller Veteran Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,122 Rep Power: 47196	re: The VCU Rams That is pretty old information at this point. That info came out October 4th. Actually only Burgess can practice. Mo Alie-Cox cannot practice with the team. __________________ "We will wreak havoc on our opponent's psyche and plan of attack." - VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart

10-24-2012, 07:23 AM	#149 (permalink)
DistrictBaller Veteran Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,122 Rep Power: 47196	re: The VCU Rams No that Rothstein tweet was not recent at all. Also from October 4th. If you go back in this thread it was already brought up, and your same question asked and discussed. You may have missed it, but there were national articles written on it at the time. __________________ "We will wreak havoc on our opponent's psyche and plan of attack." - VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart

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