2011-2012 Preview: Talking VCU Basketball With Matt Morton

In preparation for the start of the 2011-2012 regular season on November 7, we’re running a series here on Busting Brackets where we talk with other writers about their team or conference. You can check out all of the pieces in our preview series by clicking here. Our series continues with a discussion with Matt Morton of VCU Ram Nation, as we talk about VCU’s Final Four run and expectations for this season.

If you’re a VCU basketball fan, you must check out the work that these guys do on VCU Ram Nation. They are your go-to-place for all things VCU basketball. So definitely be sure to give them a visit.

BustingBrackets.com: We have to start with the memorable Final Four run last season. What was it like to sit there as a VCU fan and watch this team have such a magical March?

Matt:The run was truly incredible. We entered the tournament coming off of a dramatic CAA tournament loss to our bitter rival, ODU. Honestly, I didn’t expect VCU to make the NCAA tournament. That sentiment was
shared throughout the VCU fanbase. But once the team got in, they were on a mission to prove the nay-sayers wrong (Jay Bilas, Dick Vitale, etc). That became the drive behind this team, and the city of Richmond. More than just making it to the Final Four, the idea of shocking each team and the media along the way certainly added to the excitement.

BB: In your mind, was it ever in doubt that Shaka Smart would be back coaching this team this year?

Matt: There was a lot of talk about Coach Smart leaving. Once we were two or three games into the tournament, the conversation turned from LUCK to STRATEGY, and analysts began to talk about our history with coaches. For years VCU has been considered a springboard for coaches – Jeff Capel coached then went to Oklahoma, Anthony Grant coached 3 years then went to Alabama. I think everyone was prepared for the idea of him leaving, but I also think we showed a lot of love and support. In the end, Coach Smart was offered our highest salary ever ($1.2 million), and a commitment from the President and VCU community to dedicate the university to basketball. So basically, a ton of money, to coach at a university with medium expectations, and an opportunity to build a program into something greater.

BB: I’m not sure I ever wanna pick against this team again, but clearly, losing guys like Jamie Skeen, Brandon Rozell, and Joey Rodriguez hurts. Bradford Burgess averaged close to 15 points per game last season, but can he raise his game even more and be the threat that they need him to be?

Matt: We will see some GREAT things from Big Shot Brad this year. Coach Smart recently said Brad has been his favorite player to coach, and that Brad was the biggest factor in last year’s success in the post-season. He’s a great all around player. There are a few others that will step up this year – we believe strongly that Rob Brandenberg (Soph.) will break out. When playing 20+ minutes for the Rams (7 games), Rob averaged 12.6 points in his 23.7 minutes of play. We have a ton a great, young talent this year that we expect to turn some heads.

BB: Again, replacing a player like Skeen is going to be extremely tough. Who is expected to emerge as the frontcourt leader this season?

Matt: This will be our biggest challenge. It’s hard to replace a guy like Skeen, who had more versatility than any player I’ve seen in a Rams uniform. Also keep in mind this is a young team. Our two bigs this season (Juvonte Reddic, DJ Haley) are only sophomores. But I do expect these guys to carry their tournament experience into this season.

BB: Talk a little about this freshman class that comes into the fold. Are any of these guys expected to play significant minutes for the Rams in this year’s campaign?

Matt: They’re going to have to play big minutes. We have 6 freshmen – two are redshirts. We have a highly touted PG in Briante Weber, who according to Coach Smart, is one of the most aggressive guys on the floor. He’ll be fighting for minutes with Jr. PG Darius Theus. The secondary SG position will be a toss up between Tre Graham (Fr.) and Rob Brandenberg (So.). We saw some flashes of greatness from Rob last year, rotating between SG and PG, so I’m expecting great things from him this year.

BB: The Colonial Athletic Association race seems to be pretty wide open. The media voted Drexel at one, George Mason at two, and VCU at three. That order is very interchangeable, isn’t it?

Matt: With 6 freshmen, I wouldn’t expect anyone to pre-rank VCU at #1. Drexel is in the top spot because they are returning some guaranteed talent. It’s a battle each year in the CAA.

BB: Alright, it’s prediction time. Where does Shaka Smart’s squad finish in the CAA? And more importantly, does that finish allow them to head to the Big Dance?

Matt: I’m hoping for at least a finish at 2nd in the conference. Considering the CAA got 3 teams in the tournament last year, I’m definitely expecting at least TWO this year.

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