[caption id="attachment_13254" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.vcuramnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sanders-backboard.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-13254" src="http://www.vcuramnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sanders-backboard-300x212.jpg" alt="A young Larry Sanders become a fan favorite at VCU early into his career with his highlight blocks and dunks." width="300" height="212" /></a> A young Larry Sanders become a fan favorite at VCU early into his career with his highlight blocks and dunks.[/caption]
VCU doesn't hit the court until the Black & Gold Game on the 26th but former Rams are beginning their pro seasons this week.
2010 NBA draftee, Larry Sanders, did just that yesterday with a 10-point, 15-rebound performance in NBA preseason action against the Memphis Grizzlies. Sanders missed a total of 59 games this past season due to injury, illness and suspension, but quickly shook off the rust in his 25 minutes for the Bucks in last night's 86-83 comeback win.
Sanders had a breakout 2012-13 season, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting and finishing second in the league with a 2.8 block per game average. He earned an invite to USA Basketball Men's National Team Mini-Camp following that season but due to injury and issues off the court followed that breakout with a letdown season, averaging 25.4 minutes in just 23 games for the Bucks last year.
Sanders looks to get back on track this season however, and will do so on a newly kicked in $44 million contract.
The former Rams standout become the only early entry NBA player from VCU when he was drafted with the 15th overall pick in 2010, becoming the highest ever drafted player from Virginia Commonwealth University. Former teammate, Eric Maynor, was selected the previous season with the 20th overall pick.
Sanders posted season highs in 2012-13, averaging 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. The Port St. Lucie, FL native will look to improve on those numbers and his professional image after a controversy filled 2013-14 season.
We may be just one game into the 2014 preseason, but he's off to a good start in doing both.
VCU doesn't hit the court until the Black & Gold Game on the 26th but former Rams are beginning their pro seasons this week.
2010 NBA draftee, Larry Sanders, did just that yesterday with a 10-point, 15-rebound performance in NBA preseason action against the Memphis Grizzlies. Sanders missed a total of 59 games this past season due to injury, illness and suspension, but quickly shook off the rust in his 25 minutes for the Bucks in last night's 86-83 comeback win.
Sanders had a breakout 2012-13 season, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting and finishing second in the league with a 2.8 block per game average. He earned an invite to USA Basketball Men's National Team Mini-Camp following that season but due to injury and issues off the court followed that breakout with a letdown season, averaging 25.4 minutes in just 23 games for the Bucks last year.
Sanders looks to get back on track this season however, and will do so on a newly kicked in $44 million contract.
The former Rams standout become the only early entry NBA player from VCU when he was drafted with the 15th overall pick in 2010, becoming the highest ever drafted player from Virginia Commonwealth University. Former teammate, Eric Maynor, was selected the previous season with the 20th overall pick.
Sanders posted season highs in 2012-13, averaging 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. The Port St. Lucie, FL native will look to improve on those numbers and his professional image after a controversy filled 2013-14 season.
We may be just one game into the 2014 preseason, but he's off to a good start in doing both.
