This past Monday, AP released their latest 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings, and the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s team is sitting at number ten. That marks the first time in school history the Rams were ranked tenth or higher during the season.
This past Monday, AP released their latest 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings, and the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s team is sitting at number ten. That marks the first time in school history the Rams were ranked tenth or higher during the season. This has caused much buzz surrounding the program, as many fans who linger on the fringes of true fandom were likely surprised to hear this. This is great news for a program who’s rise from mid-major tournament contender to–take a deep breath–national title contender is coming to fruition in early season match-ups.
The thing is, we should stop getting surprised. Happy? Sure. Surprised? No longer. The Rams’ “Havoc” team defense, were it the only strength of the squad, would still be no one hit wonder. Shaka Smart’s ability to make a team contend with Havoc as their core is not a gimmick and should not be overlooked. That’s been the rap on the team for a few years now–if you can avoid getting Havoc-ed, you will win. However, this is no longer the case.
Treveon Graham’s three pointer with 1.1 seconds left last Tuesday to sink in-state foe UVA was the kind of play that players on tournament beasts like Michigan State, Duke, and Kentucky have often made. That had nothing to do with Havoc, and while it was merely one shot, it is representative of their three-game body of work this year. Winning basketball games requires making the big shot. Last year, the Rams stumbled in the tournament when their Havoc D turned out insufficient to carry them on a deep run.
Of course, they’ve gone on deep runs anyway. We all know that. But the thing is, in college hoops, making a Cinderella run is the most exciting thing. However, having a legitimate national power is what leads to winning AFTER you reach the Final Four.
Most importantly, the team is experienced now. They have seen success; now is their chance to handle the expectation of success, rather than the surprise. As basketball fans, we have to wait till early next year before their status as elite (Top 10= elite. Can’t argue that) can either translate into VCU becoming the title contenders they seem to be, or not. But as Richmonders, we can safely count ourselves as being home to a basketball power that gets respect everywhere it goes. The Rams are not complacent–senior guard and locker room leader Rob Brandenburg told the RTD as much. But we can feel assured if we want, because really, nothing at this point will be the midnight-strike of their Cinderella-clock. The Rams are way past that label.
