Ken Pomeroy's comps have ran the numbers and have the black and gold seventh in their Atlantic 10 preseason rankings. The Rams are predicted at 97th nationally, down from last year's No.73 ranking and behind Saint Louis (45), Dayton (49), Richmond (62), St. Bonaventure (76), Davidson (80) and Duquesne (84).
<h4>Kenpom A-10 Preseason Rankings</h4>
<ol>
<li>Saint Louis (45)</li>
<li>Dayton (49)</li>
<li>Richmond (62)</li>
<li>St. Bonaventure (76)</li>
<li>Davidson (80)</li>
<li>Duquesne (84)</li>
<li>VCU (97)</li>
<li>Rhode Island (98)</li>
<li>George Mason (112)</li>
<li>UMass (125)</li>
<li>La Salle (151)</li>
<li>Saint Joseph's (160)</li>
<li>Fordham (166)</li>
<li>GW (193)</li>
</ol>
The Rams replace six players from last season's team including four senior starters and junior transfer, Marcus Santos-Silva, who graduated early and will finish his career at Texas Tech.
Kenpom's computers predict the Rams will take a hit offensively with a predicted offensive efficiency of 98.9 (down from 104.7 last season), what would be VCU's worst offense since kenpom began tracking teams back in 2002 (writer's prediction: no way that happens and VCU will be improved offensively over last season's team).
Pomeroy's site does however predicted an improved defense, with an efficiency of 91.5, essentially a top-10 national caliber defense (in-fairness writer's prediction: not sure I see that happening either!)
With the Rams replacing so many players, all the numbers could change drastically if and when the season actually gets underway.
The  Rams will participate in a Black & Gold "event" this season Nov 17 at 7PM. No word on VCU's opening season game yet, but the Rams are reportedly competing in a Thanksgiving weekend event in Knoxville that will include Tennessee and Charlotte from Nov 25-27, Jeff Goodman reporting the Rams tipping it up against the 49ers Nov 26, followed by a Black Friday matchup with the hosting Vols.
<h4>Kenpom A-10 Preseason Rankings</h4>
<ol>
<li>Saint Louis (45)</li>
<li>Dayton (49)</li>
<li>Richmond (62)</li>
<li>St. Bonaventure (76)</li>
<li>Davidson (80)</li>
<li>Duquesne (84)</li>
<li>VCU (97)</li>
<li>Rhode Island (98)</li>
<li>George Mason (112)</li>
<li>UMass (125)</li>
<li>La Salle (151)</li>
<li>Saint Joseph's (160)</li>
<li>Fordham (166)</li>
<li>GW (193)</li>
</ol>
The Rams replace six players from last season's team including four senior starters and junior transfer, Marcus Santos-Silva, who graduated early and will finish his career at Texas Tech.
Kenpom's computers predict the Rams will take a hit offensively with a predicted offensive efficiency of 98.9 (down from 104.7 last season), what would be VCU's worst offense since kenpom began tracking teams back in 2002 (writer's prediction: no way that happens and VCU will be improved offensively over last season's team).
Pomeroy's site does however predicted an improved defense, with an efficiency of 91.5, essentially a top-10 national caliber defense (in-fairness writer's prediction: not sure I see that happening either!)
With the Rams replacing so many players, all the numbers could change drastically if and when the season actually gets underway.
The  Rams will participate in a Black & Gold "event" this season Nov 17 at 7PM. No word on VCU's opening season game yet, but the Rams are reportedly competing in a Thanksgiving weekend event in Knoxville that will include Tennessee and Charlotte from Nov 25-27, Jeff Goodman reporting the Rams tipping it up against the 49ers Nov 26, followed by a Black Friday matchup with the hosting Vols.
