VCU Rams take Italy by storm

While the details about the Rams’ games in Italy are limited, it appears that “HAVOC” caused as much trouble across the pond as it does in the USA.

August 16, 2012; 11:16 AM • by Aaron Williams

The Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team just returned from a 10-day journey across Italy that included five cities, four games, and plenty of sightseeing. It was the Rams’ first opportunity to play opponents since the departure of Bradford Burgess and the additions of Jordan Burgess, Melvin Johnson, Mo Alie-Cox, and Justin Tuoyo.

While the details about the games are limited, it appears that “HAVOC” caused as much trouble across the pond as it typically does in the USA. Beating opponents by 47, 71, 38, and 62, the Ram’s average margin of victory of 54.5 PPG is confidence boosting to say the least.

Most of these results should be taken with a ~~grain~~ mound of salt, but the 38-point victory over Basket Club Atletas provides some insight into how talented the Rams might actually be. With wins over Purdue and Georgia (Joe Lunardi has the PU Boilermakers as an NCAA Tournament team), Basket Club Atletas from Lithuania was a legitimate opponent that still caused little trouble for the Rams.

With extra practices, an international tour, and the late addition of Melvin Johnson, Coach Smart and Co. are having a very productive offseason. Smart’s young Rams had a mediocre start to the 2011-12 season before coming within one shot of the Sweet 16. With the 2012-13 Rams poised to hit the ground running, it will be exciting to see the result.

Italy Highlights

8/7, Amici Del Campero; 118-71 — Noteworthy performance: Sophomore guard Teddy Okereafor scored 17 points, dished out nine assists, and grabbed seven rebounds.
8/ 10, Kosarkaski Klub Zeta (Montenegro); 103-32 — Noteworthy performance: Sophomore guard Treveon Graham posted 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 55% from the floor. VCU forced 39 turnovers.
8/11, Basket Club Atletas (Lithuania); 85-47 — Noteworthy performance: Senior guard Troy Daniels finished with an impressive 27 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
8/13, All Star Italy; 106-44 — Noteworthy performance: On his birthday, Sophomore forward Jarred Guest racked up 19 points, nine rebounds, six steals, and two blocks.