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Cal MBB Live Chat: Maui Round 2. Bring on the Rams.

Another formidable opponent in VCU.

Wichita State v California Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images

The Bears have a quick turnaround after a heartbreaking learning experience at the hands of #6 Wichita State last night. The VCU Rams. The rams are under the new leadership of Mike Rhoades. Mike Rhoades was the associate head coach under Shaka Smart, but left to Rice when Smart left to Texas. Smart was replaced by Will Wade, who left this offseason to LSU (also in the maui tournament). Wade was replaced by now HC Rhoades. What a coaching circle!

The Rams are projected to be decent this season with KenPom projecting an 18-12 record and 11-7 conference record. Through 4 games this season VCU has been stellar on the offensive end but have struggled defensively. They have an effective FG% of 53.9% which is good for 90th in the country. Their adjusted efficiency on offense is 107.0 which is 80th in the country. The Rams have been very proficient shooting 38.6% from 3 but have not relied upon it as only 37.1% of their total shots have come from 3. VCU also does not foul. only 21.4 of opponents FGs have turned into Free Throw opportunities, which is good for 20th in the country. This is an offensive-reliant team and the Bears will hope that their Press and Zone will force them into even a slower tempo than they have played this season.

Key Players

SO SF Isaac Vaan: 6-6/210/12.5PPG/4.5RPG/1.0SPG/.467FG%

SR PG Jonathan Williams: 6-1/200/12PPG/6.8APG/1.3SPG/.4293P%

SO SG Malik Crowfield: 6-4/195/8.8PPG/2.3RPG/1.5APG/1.0SPG/.4763P%

SO G/F De’Riante Jenkins: 6-5/195/9.8PPG/3.8RPG/3.3APG/1.5SPG

SR PF Khris Lane: 6-7/245/11.5PPG/4.3RPG/.600FG%/.5713P%

SR C Justin Tilman: 6-8/220/15PPG/8.3RPG/.581FG%/.857FT%/.3643PT%

Go Bears!

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