Oooooohhhh Rejoice! VCU Men’s Basketball is “officially” back in action! Before the Rams of Virginia Commonwealth University tips off the 2019-20 season versus Saint Francis (PA), I have three wishes to share into existence. Whether they come true or not is up to the HAVOC gods…
Wish #1: VCU Limited To 10 or Fewer Turnovers
This may be a big ask in addition to crossing fingers and shaking off bad juju surrounding the Siegel Center. It’s opening night on Broad Street and what better way to start off a new campaign of ball control than well…controlling the ball.
Last season began with a surprising 20 turnovers versus Gardner-Webb with De’Riante Jenkins committing a team-high 5 turnovers. There was plenty of concern after that and VCU found a way to cut down the fumbles in due time. In this year’s exhibition versus Virginia State, VCU coughed up only 14 turnovers but Jenkins once again led the Ram squad with 4 on his own.
Mistakes and first game jitters will lead to turnovers. #Spoiler However Coach Rhoades has #25 VCU on the right track where ball control is the priority towards total victory.
That Red Flash out of Pennsylvania is no VSU alongside last season’s SFU defense that forced around 12 turnovers per game. Oh basketball hierarchy make these basketball fumbles cease on this night! And if it’s possible to stretch this wish out for the long term that would be swell.
Wish #2: 40 Points or More At The Rim
A 32-22 paint scoring advantage versus Virginia State had me wiping my glasses to make sure this wasn’t a typo. Once the paint was covered in Black & Gold, Virginia State was unsuccessful in peeling that paint off. VCU held the glass on lockdown in paint scoring, second-chance points, and fastbreak points.
Granted, VCU has a rugged matchup with Saint Francis (PA) finishing just above the Top 60 nationally in rebounds per game (#59, 37.76 RPG). The Rams needed a couple of minutes after tip-off to get their paint presence up and running versus VSU; if the Black & Gold get Marcus Santos-Silva & Corey Douglas started hammering early…man oh man what a night this could be.
Once the forwards attack, the guards will follow to the rim. Consider the floodgates sounding the alarm if this wish is granted. And also plenty of highlight videos on social media.
Wish #3: More Flash From The Reserves!
From KeShawn Curry’s triple barrage all the way to Arnold Henderson VI walking-on and hitting a downtown three. The VCU bench got people talking and wanting for more after scoring 51 total points against the Trojans.
Of course, the want for a repeat performance versus the Red Flash is high; especially since this game will count in the record books. My wish specifically involving the VCU bench is that every player checking into the game scores more than 5 points at minimum.
The only players that did not reach that feat versus VSU were Jarren McAllister (4 PTS), Malik Crowfield (3 PTS), Arnold Henderson VI (3 PTS), Heson Ward (2 PTS), and Jimmy Clark (1 PT).
Coach Rhoades shared that within the VCU ranks anyone can get hot on any given night. Welp this wish is taking that to heart and pleads that everyone in Black & Gold sounds the fire alarm.
College Basketball IS BACK! *OFFICIALLY* What are your Three Wishes for the return of VCU Men’s Basketball versus Saint Francis (PA)? Share them with us on Twitter! @VCUSports
Rams take on the Red Flash on Tuesday, November 5th at 7 PM inside the Siegel Center to start the 2019-20 season of VCU Hoops. The game will be broadcasted on MASN.
