<a href="http://www.vcuramnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dsc096231.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-9241" alt="dsc09623" src="http://www.vcuramnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dsc096231-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a>VCU basketball is just two weeks away from playing their first exhibition of the season, less than three from their first official game, but as we approach the season there have been a number of positive developments around Ram Nation.
Coach Smart gets a raise, signs extension through 2028
The Rams' fifth-year coach inked a new contract recently that will increase his supplemental income to $950,000 (in addition to his $450,000 base salary), putting his guaranteed salary at $1.45 for the first year of his new contract, then $1.5 million per year through 2028. Smart has a number of fun bonuses that are highly attainable, including $2,000 for ever win over ODU, $5,000 for victories over ACC teams (VCU plays four this season), $20,000 for 20-win season and a number of other bonuses.
 Troy Daniels signs free agent contract with the Houston Rockets
Shortly after being release from the Charlotte Bobcats this season, recent VCU grad, Troy Daniels, has signed a free agent contract with the Houston Rockets. Daniels joins a roster of 18 players that will be trimmed to 15 by the start of the season.  Reports have this as a move made with the D-Leauge in mind, as the Rockets can get Daniels in their system with the Rio Grand Valley Vipers (who would now have exclusive rights) instead of missing out on the chance in the D-League Draft. The Rockets take on the Dallas Mavericks this Monday on NBA TV, then the San Antonio Spurs Thursday on TNT.
 VCU Athletics undefeated on the week
VCU soccer defeats defending national champ, Indiana, in a 1-0 home victory, VCU volleyball downs George Mason in three straight sets, moving to 18-5 on the season, VCU women's soccer wins at Duquesne, 1-0 and VCU field hockey wins at SLU, 5-2. Three of those teams (volleyball and both soccer teams) currently rank in the top two of the A-10 standings. Men's soccer has been ranked as high as No.6 nationally this season, and rank second in the A-10 despite being undefeated (the Rams have played one less game than 3-0 La Salle). Women's soccer is on a roll, having an undefeated record (with two ties) since last losing by 1 in a road game back on September 6th. VCU volleyball dropped a road contest last week at George Washington, yet sit at No.1 in the A-10 at 6-1.
Some recommend weekend reading
Michael Litos reminisces over VCU's 35-consecutive game sellout streak, and gets us all pumped for VCU basketball: http://www.vcuhoops.info/2013/10/stu-at-35-and-counting.html
Coach Smart gets a raise, signs extension through 2028
The Rams' fifth-year coach inked a new contract recently that will increase his supplemental income to $950,000 (in addition to his $450,000 base salary), putting his guaranteed salary at $1.45 for the first year of his new contract, then $1.5 million per year through 2028. Smart has a number of fun bonuses that are highly attainable, including $2,000 for ever win over ODU, $5,000 for victories over ACC teams (VCU plays four this season), $20,000 for 20-win season and a number of other bonuses.
 Troy Daniels signs free agent contract with the Houston Rockets
Shortly after being release from the Charlotte Bobcats this season, recent VCU grad, Troy Daniels, has signed a free agent contract with the Houston Rockets. Daniels joins a roster of 18 players that will be trimmed to 15 by the start of the season.  Reports have this as a move made with the D-Leauge in mind, as the Rockets can get Daniels in their system with the Rio Grand Valley Vipers (who would now have exclusive rights) instead of missing out on the chance in the D-League Draft. The Rockets take on the Dallas Mavericks this Monday on NBA TV, then the San Antonio Spurs Thursday on TNT.
 VCU Athletics undefeated on the week
VCU soccer defeats defending national champ, Indiana, in a 1-0 home victory, VCU volleyball downs George Mason in three straight sets, moving to 18-5 on the season, VCU women's soccer wins at Duquesne, 1-0 and VCU field hockey wins at SLU, 5-2. Three of those teams (volleyball and both soccer teams) currently rank in the top two of the A-10 standings. Men's soccer has been ranked as high as No.6 nationally this season, and rank second in the A-10 despite being undefeated (the Rams have played one less game than 3-0 La Salle). Women's soccer is on a roll, having an undefeated record (with two ties) since last losing by 1 in a road game back on September 6th. VCU volleyball dropped a road contest last week at George Washington, yet sit at No.1 in the A-10 at 6-1.
Some recommend weekend reading
Michael Litos reminisces over VCU's 35-consecutive game sellout streak, and gets us all pumped for VCU basketball: http://www.vcuhoops.info/2013/10/stu-at-35-and-counting.html
