By Paul Gotham Tom Izzo gets it. In a world where the line between what is right and the not so right gets blurred by the bottom line, Izzo stays focused. The 20th-year coach of the Michigan State Spartans has taken teams to six Final Fours. They have played in front of crowds in excess of 70,000. Their home court, the Breslin Center, holds almost 15,000, and yet … [Read more...] about For Izzo and others, Veteran’s Classic is more than a game
VCU
VCU and the countdown to Havoc
By Paul Gotham Shaka Smart likes Mark Twain references. Virginia Commonwealth’s fifth-year coach may want to add this one to the repertoire: “Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.” The facts are that VCU led the nation with more than 11 steals a game last season and forced nearly 18 turnovers per contest. The distortion is what … [Read more...] about VCU and the countdown to Havoc
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: VCU Rams 2014-15
Compiled by Paul Gotham Counting down to tipoff and previewing the incoming players of the Atlantic 10 with a look at the first-year players of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams. The Rams went 26-9 (12-4 A-10) and fell to Stephen F. Austin in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Shaka Smart and his staff welcome four freshmen to campus: Terry Larrier, Justin Tillman, … [Read more...] about Signed, Sealed, Delivered: VCU Rams 2014-15
Shaka Smart and VCU becoming household names
By Ryan Lazo RICHMOND — It was just four years ago Virginia Commonwealth University found themselves in the crosshairs of a nation and national media who deemed their inclusion into the NCAA Tournament as unbecoming. After all, these Rams had earned just a No. 4 seed into the Colonial Athletic Association Conference Tournament before losing in the championship game to Old … [Read more...] about Shaka Smart and VCU becoming household names
Briante Weber receives high praise from Phil Martelli
“Briante Weber is the best defender in the country.” - Phil Martelli By: Joe Manganiello There is no substitute for expertise and experience, and more than 19 years of work speaks for itself. Phil Martelli has been the head coach at St. Joseph’s since 1995, and a member of their coaching staff since 1985. He’s been a National Coach of the Year, and he is … [Read more...] about Briante Weber receives high praise from Phil Martelli