FoxSports.com: Jeff Goodman - "SMARTING AT VCU"

[xjohnx]

http://community.foxsports.com/goodmano ... st_a_payne

Smart also takes over a program with lofty expectations these days: The Rams won 76 games in Grant’s three years at the helm, which followed an impressive four-year stretch by Capel in which VCU nearly knocked off Wake Forest in the NCAA tournament.

``There’s such an extreme interest level in VCU basketball – and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said the 32-year-old Smart, who was hired after stints at Akron, Clemson and Florida. ``Everyone talks about the expectations, but we’re just coming into the season with expectations for this team.”

 

[Mercury]

Smart is also without a legit floor leader to replace Maynor. Joey Rodriguez returned to school after it was all but a done deal he was transferring to Rollins College, but Rodriguez is not a natural point guard and will likely be pushed by a pair of freshman recruited by the new regime: 6-foot-3 ½ Darius Theus and 5-foot-11 Issiah Grayson.

``Joey’s going to get the first opportunity to prove what he can do at the point,” Smart said.

But don’t be surprised if Theus, an unselfish, tough lead guard who can get into the lane and make life easier for guys like Sanders, or Grayson – who is quick and can score – wind up getting the job.

hmmmmm...