Two months of good weather and we are watching hoops. That’s right, November in many ways is just around the corner and with that in mind it’s time for a refresher course on some new faces to root for this season.
NO.2 – SAMIR DOUGHTY
Philly native, Doughty was a late signee to the Rams after decommitting from St. John’s due to their coaching change (sound familiar?). Doughty is a top-20 all-time scorer out of the city of Philadelphia who’s already impressed the coaching staff with his ability to put the ball in the hoop this summer working out with the Rams. Averaged 24.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a senior and at 6’4 brings nice size to VCU’s backcourt.
NO.3 – JORDAN RIULLANO
A native of the Bronx, Riullano joins the Rams as a preferred walk-on that was initially headed to the University of Minnesota. The 5’9 point guard was first recruited by new assistant Rasheen Davis previously at Manhatten and gives VCU added depth at the point guard position.
NO.22 – GERRON SCISSUM
Scissum comes to VCU as Will Wade’s first recruit as head coach of the Rams, signing this past April by way of Huntsville, Alabama. A Mr. Basketball finalist for the state, the 6’7 190 Scissum averaged 16.4 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks for Lee-Huntsville High while connecting on an impressive 40.2% of his three-point attempts. Wade recruited Scissum while at UT Chattanooga this past season but wasn’t really able to peek his interest until landing the head coaching job at VCU. Scissum chose the Rams over a number of high-major teams. #savageorsandwich
NO.23 – AHMED HAMDY MOHAMED
Will Wade wanted to add some size to next season’s roster and that’s exactly what he got in JUCO transfer Ahmed Hamdy Mohamed. Ahmed has been described as a high-motor big and a rebounding machine. He averaged a 16.2-point, 10.7-rebound double-double last season at Lee College in Texas while connecting on over 54% of his shots. The Egyptian-born Mohamed also spent time with his native country’s U17 team where he had an 18-point, 8-rebound game against a loaded team USA squad full of current NBA players.
NO.24 – KOREY BILLBURY
Fifth-year senior Korey Billbury will finish his college career at VCU after three nice seasons at Oral Roberts, the last two of which he averaged at least 14.4 points per contest. The 6’4 guard plays big and aggressive, averaging 7.4 rebounds this past season with the Golden Eagles. He’s a capable three-point shooter but does most of his damage around the basket and does a great job of drawing contact in traffic. He’s an immediate impact type of player that opposing A-10 teams will have to be ready for right away next season. Ram fans will love him.
NO.33 – JONATHAN NWANKO
The former Minnesota commit Nwanko joins his buddy Riullano at VCU but his status for next season is in question due to eligibility issues with the NCAA — Nwanko reportedly attended 9th grade in both his home country Nigeria and the US, which for whatever reason could make him ineligible next season…which is ridiculous because I took Geometry twice in high school and no one ever held that against me. Either way, when he is finally cleared he will add a major presence in the paint for VCU at 6’9 245. Dude is a man.
