Busting Brackets
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Boston College Basketball: 5 potential candidates to replace Jim Christian

By Benjamin Zacher

Jan 9, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Jay Huff (30) and Boston College Eagles forward James Karnik (33) jump for the ball during the first half at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Jay Huff (30) and Boston College Eagles forward James Karnik (33) jump for the ball during the first half at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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VCU Rams Mike Rhoades Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
VCU Rams Mike Rhoades Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Rhoades

  • HC experience: Randolph-Macon (1999-09; 197-76), Rice (2014-17; 47-52), VCU (2017-present; 75-40)
  • Assistant experience: Randolph-Macon (1996-99), VCU (associate HC, 2009-14)

Mike Rhoades is in a similar boat as John Becker, having no connections to Boston College – but has proven himself as a head coach with the VCU Rams.  Now in the midst of his fourth year with the Rams, it might be difficult to poach Rhoades away – but BC would be an ideal next step for the up-and-comer.

In four years at the helm, Rhoades has rallied off a 75-40 record at VCU, having already amassed a 47-52 mark at Rice immediately beforehand.  A Shaka Smart disciple, Rhoades has picked up where both Smart and Will Wade left off, keeping the Rams competitive in a deep A-10 – all the while leading them to their first-ever A-10 regular-season title, as well as an NCAA Tournament berth, in 2019.

In his time with the Rams, Rhoades has proven his teams can hang around with marquee talent.  During their NCAA Tournament year, VCU knocked off multiple 20-win teams in Temple, Hofstra, Texas, and Wichita State, while falling to St. John’s in overtime and at Virginia by single-digits.  He is also no stranger to leading programs to turnaround seasons, having endured two 12-20 seasons at Rice before leading the Owls to a 23-win season – the second-most in program history – and a postseason berth in his third year.

Arguably, this season at VCU may be his best coaching job yet.  Picked ninth in the A-10’s preseason poll, the Rams are currently sitting in first place in the conference standings at 8-2 – and maintain the league’s best overall record at 15-4.  With solid wins over Utah State, Memphis, and St. Bonaventure – and close losses to West Virginia and Penn State – the Rams are in line for another NCAA Tournament bid, behind a stifling 14th-best efficient defense and the stellar play of sophomore sensation Nah’Shon Hyland.

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Again, poaching Rhoades – right now – might be extremely difficult, especially considering the Rams are one of the youngest teams in all of college basketball – and yet, are enjoying incredible success.  If the Eagles want to find someone who can spark a resurgence and turnaround in a struggling program, however, Rhoades would be the ideal guy – and they should give him consideration.