Busting Brackets
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VCU Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Rams

By Brian Rauf

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 21: De'Riante Jenkins #0 of the VCU Rams leads the fast break during the first half of the game against the California Golden Bears during the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 21: De'Riante Jenkins #0 of the VCU Rams leads the fast break during the first half of the game against the California Golden Bears during the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 8: Mike’l Simms #1 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams celebrates during the closing moments of the Rams win over the Dayton Flyers during the second round of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 8, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 8: Mike’l Simms #1 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams celebrates during the closing moments of the Rams win over the Dayton Flyers during the second round of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 8, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Projected starters

Marcus Evans
Evans, a transfer from Rice, is a lock to be this team’s starting point guard whenever he returns from his second Achilles injury in as many seasons. When healthy, he’s a versatile scorer and dynamic playmaker who should be the focal point of the offense.

De’Riante Jenkins
Jenkins is VCU’s leading returning scorer, averaging just under 13 points per game a year ago. He showcased a reliable shooting stroke and carried the Rams on a number of occasions. However, he needs to become a better decision-maker and avoid costly turnovers – especially late in games.

Mike’l Sims
With Rhoades stressing defense and versatility on that end, it won’t be a surprise to see VCU trot out a lineup with three wing players that can switch everything. Sims fits the mold as one of this team’s better defenders thanks to his combination of strength and quickness. This position could go to a number of players but I think Sims gets the nod.

Issac Vann
A high ankle sprain limited Vann for a good majority of last season but, now healthy, his versatility will give this group another solid wing player. At 6-6, Vann can guard opponents in the post while stretching the floor offensively. He’ll play a lot of stretch four this season again.

Sean Mobley
It wouldn’t be a surprise if VCU used multiple lineups without a true big man on the floor but Mobley is in the driver’s seat to start at the five. He saw his role increase as the 2017-18 season wore on because of his tenacity on the glass and his ability to stretch opposing defenses from three.