NCAA Basketball: Ranking the top 25 programs of the 2010s

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: Confetti is seen on the NCAA logo after the Kentucky Wildcats defeat the Kansas Jayhawks 67-59 in the National Championship Game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on April 2, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 27: Rams hold up the trophy. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

If the word “havoc” does not bring back good memories for you, I don’t know what to say. VCU was one of the main under-the-radar programs to take the leap into national relevance during this past decade. Under the leadership of former head coach Shaka Smart, the Rams were absolutely incredible. The program competed in both the Colonial Athletic Conference as well as the Atlantic 10 over the past 10 years.

2011 was clearly the most notable campaign for VCU. After the Rams barely sneaked into the NCAA Tournament as a No. 11 seed playing in the First Four, they embarked on a longer dance party than most expected. With Joey Rodriguez, Bradford Burgess, and Jamie Skeen leading the way, VCU ran off five straight wins to reach the Final Four.

In addition to that sensational campaign, the Rams made seven other NCAA Tournament appearances in the decade. VCU won two regular-season conference titles as well as two conference tournament championships in the decade. VCU averaged a top-50 KenPom finish.

Even though Coach Smart moved on after the 2014-15 season, the Rams have maintained a high level of success. Will Wade followed in the footsteps of Smart as the leader before handing the reins to Mike Rhoades.

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