A-10 Summer Shootaround

mcvram · Jul 30, 2012

http://espn.go.com/ncb/notebook/_/page/summershootaround120727/atlantic-10

1. Hello, Butler and VCU: The Atlantic 10 gladly took Butler (Horizon) and VCU (CAA) a year early and pulled off the coup of the realignment season. These two weren't going to be allowed to play in the respective conference tournaments so the choice was obvious -- bolt to the A-10. The league can make a strong case to be a top-seven conference in the country -- and the Bulldogs and Rams immediately leap to the top of the conference power structure. They will compete for the regular-season and conference tournament titles. Book it.

Most Important Player

VCU: Juvonte Reddic

Brad Burgess is gone so Reddic becomes the potential go-to player. The Rams will still have plenty of experience and Reddic tops that list. Coach Shaka Smart showed tremendous commitment in staying put and not looking at Illinois. His players continue to be loyal to him with their continued development. Reddic is the latest example during Smart's brief tenure of players who continue to shine when given an opportunity.

Virginia Commonwealth

Best-case scenario: Shaka Smart brings havoc to the Atlantic 10. The Rams return every key contributor but Bradford Burgess, including rising senior point guard Darius Theus, who took over for the seemingly irreplacable Joey Rodriguez in 2012. Theus was excellent, a savvy floor general who also led VCU's defense at the crucial pressing point of attack. Last season, the Rams forced the highest number of turnovers per possession of any team in the country. That trait is likely to continue in 2012-13, and it promises to give A-10 opponents fits on a nightly basis. This team can compete for the conference title. It can make a run in the NCAA tournament. It has the talent to do so, but more importantly, it has the system.

Worst-case scenario: Burgess' departure should not be understated. He led the Rams in scoring and finished second in rebounding and 3-point field goal percentage; he and Treveon Graham were the only players who shot better than 35 percent from beyond the arc. VCU's defense is likely to remain intact, but unless the Rams get some better outside shooting -- which was, remember, the biggest key to their crazy 2011 Final Four run -- their so-so offense will remain as such.

Five freshmen to watch

Jordan Burgess, VCU: The Rams needed a stud and found one in the small forward from Benedictine High in Midlothian, Va. He's a strong wing who can board. VCU has always had undersized power players who find a way to get to the basket and be productive. Expect Burgess to do the same.

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A-10 Summer Shootaround

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A-10 Summer Shootaround

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