If no one else leaves the team, for whatever reasons, VCU has just one scholarship available for next season. That's because Jimmy Clark, a sophomore guard, left the program during the season that just ended.
By the way, because of COVID-19, the NCAA is allowing an extra year of eligibility for 2020-21's basketball players. Which means VCU's two seniors can play another year and it won't count against the ordinary 13 scholarship limit; they are forwards Cory Douglas and Levi Stockard.
However, at this point neither of them has announced his plans for next season. We have to assume the decision will be up to them and the Rams coaching staff. At some point, perhaps soon, an announcement will be made that will determine how many players will be on the Rams roster for the 2021-22 season, because VCU still has two recruits who have signed to come in next year. They are forward Jalen DeRoach (6-foot-8) and guard/small forward Nick Kern (6-foot-5).
None of the above means I'm putting any store in the talk that Bones Hyland is maybe going to opt out and declare for the NBA draft. Maybe he's ready, maybe another year would enhance his prospects; we'll see about that. And the same goes for the juicy rumor that Richmonder Armando Bacot is considering transferring out of North Carolina to come to VCU. Right now that seems more like online wishful thinking, but...
Nonetheless, I think Head Coach Mike Rhoades, with his options, probably has an Atlantic 10 contender next season. As far the players who are currently weighing their options go, they should be able to see that with the players already set to return, VCU's 2021-22 season is likely to be a special season. Very special.
No comments:
Post a Comment