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It's bigger than either Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia, and is almost the size of Ohio State, which is a medium-sized city. But because it's a 'city' school, with offices, buildings and classrooms spread around and about Richmond, with a resulting 'campus' that couldn't contain a pitch-and-putt golf hole, VCU isn't exactly picturesque, and basketball recruiting has been second-tier at best.
Enter new VCU basketball coach Shaka Smart. (Who?), a razor-sharp, good-looking kid out of Kenyon College, a top-ranked, tiny academic college in the middle of Nowhere, Ohio. A magna cum laude graduate, four-year basketball starter and three-year captain, 1999 All-USA academic team, Shaka was building basketball street cred from day one. Click on his name for the whole story, and get pumped for the Rams' chances.
This Cinderella story could end early. VCU plays USC tonight, and if they win -- Vegas says they won't -- they get to play Georgetown. This may not be their year, but if you're looking to fit a glass slipper on somebody...
it's a great school. it remains largely unknown for the reason you mentioned - it doesn't fit the classic american university stereotype. but good it is. george mason is in a similar mold.
ReplyDeletea shift is happening.
don't discount it.
go back in the ncaa record book.
teams you've never heard of were the champions of the past.
some of today's dynasties will be as obscure one day.
evolution baby!