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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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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: Malik Crowfield #13 of the VCU Rams calls a play as he brings the ball up court during the first half of the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: Malik Crowfield #13 of the VCU Rams calls a play as he brings the ball up court during the first half of the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Key reserves

Malik Crowfield
Crowfield is another starting-caliber guard but we have him coming off the bench as this team’s sixth man, a role he found himself in at the end of last season. He’s a good shooter who can play both on or off the ball, and his positionless game makes him a very valuable part of this rotation.

Corey Douglas
Douglas started his career for Rhoades at Rice before transferring to Tallahassee Community College, where he averaged 13.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. The coaching staff is very high on his upside as a rim protector and rebounder.

Marcus Santos-Silva
Santos-Silva is the only traditional big man on the roster, which both plays to his strength and to his disadvantage. He’s solid in the post and has proven he can do damage down there, but his skill set isn’t conducive to this up-tempo style of play. Because of that, he’ll come off the bench.

Xavier Jackson
Jackson, a senior, will be tasked with providing leadership and a calming presence off the bench. The athletic 6-3 point guard will be Evans’ backup.

P.J. Byrd
Byrd is a 6-1 freshman who has the quickness and playmaking ability to really excel as a point guard in this high-octane offense. He’ll likely need some time to adjust to the college game but his role should only expand as the season wears on.

Vincent Williams
Another freshman, the 6-6 Williams chose VCU over teams like Xavier and Wichita State. He’s a physical 6-6 player who can play either forward position but needs to get a little stronger. Williams is only expected to have a minor role in 2018-19.