VCU Rams Black & Gold Game!
By: James Brown
This past Saturday was VCU’s annual Black and Gold game and the first for new Head Coach Mike Rhoades. This will be Coach Rhoades’ first season as the head man in charge at VCU. Saturday his players put on a show to give a sample of what we can expect to see from this upcoming season. The players competed hard on both sides of the ball scoring points while playing some great defense. The Gold team emerged victorious over the Black team with a final score of 56 to 45. Sophomore Issac Vann, led the Gold team with 16 points showing the ability to score from inside as well as outside of the arc. Alongside Vann, was Senior Kris Lane who added 15 points and grabbing 9 boards. Lane was a transfer from Longwood and looks to give the Rams another veteran big this year. De’Riante Jenkins led the Black team in scoring putting up 14 points and showcasing his explosion with a strong slam dunk in the closing minutes of the game. Senior point guard Johnny Williams had 9 points along with 5 assist during his time on the floor. Overall, we saw that the Rams were able to put the ball in the basket on offense. On the defensive side of the ball coach Rhoades unleashed that signature Havoc defense that VCU is known for. One notable scratch from Saturday’s game from Senior Forward and Preseason A-10 First Team All-Conference player, Justin Tillman who sat out with a sprained foot injury. After the game coach Rhoades said “Tillman sitting out was just a precaution and that he should be able to resume regular basketball activity this week.”
After the men’s game was finished the lady Rams took the court. Displaying their talents for the upcoming season. Freshman guards Nyra Williams and Niya Williams showcased scoring ability and defensive prowess in their scrimmage on the Saturday.
After the ladies took the court the Rams had their alumni game with prior Rams players returning to the Siegel Center to display the skills they once displayed while wearing the black and gold. Some familiar faces were point guard Joey Rodriguez and big Larry Sanders. This upcoming season for the Rams should be a competitive one and can’t wait to see what happens next for the Rams!
