What he did
Perhaps the biggest name in the Atlantic 10 not to end up on an all-conference team, Marcus Santos-Silva certainly got snubbed in this year’s league awards. As a powerful big man and absolutely lethal rebounder, Santos-Silva made tremendous strides in his second season as a Ram. One could certainly make a case for Santos-Silva being the most improved player in the entire league. He shot 61.2% from the field in conference play this year, a step up from 52.5% his freshman season. Most notably, Santos-Silva emerged as a force on the offensive glass and was the 6th best nationally in that regard. His best performance of the season came in the A-10 Tournament against Rhode Island where he had 26 points and 22 rebounds. Though Marcus Evans was out with an injury and no one else could get much going, Santos-Silva came to play in Brooklyn and showed just how far he’s come in his 2 seasons.
What he’ll do
In tandem with Marcus Evans, Issac Vann, and De’Riante Jenkins, Marcus Santos-Silva is going to help VCU win a lot of games in 2019-20. The Rams should be the favorites to win the league this year after running away with it in 2018-19. Establishing himself as a true post presence as well as someone who can play above the rim, there are going to be few big men that can keep up with the athletic and elusive Marcus Santos-Silva. When he plays with the aggression and physicality we saw in the first round of the A-10 Tournament, there are few rebounds he is unable to grab. Expect him to make an all-conference team this season (maybe even the 1st), as people will finally begin opening their eyes. VCU and their junior big man will have a chance to do something special next season.
