Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Richmond, VA (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruiting class as they bow out of the tournament; because theres' always next season.
The Rams have become one of the top programs in the A-10 and are seemingly always a dangerous team in March. While they were bounced from this year's tournament by Oklahoma and Buddy Hield, there is a lot to be excited about if you're a Rams fan and are already looking forward to next season.
Yes, Melvin Johnson graduates; and that hurts. So does Korey Billbury. But VCU has a lot of pieces that should step up next season. Mo Allie-Cox will be a senior, and the mid-major version of Rico Gathers will likely have another monster season. Others will take a step forward as well.
But what is key for the Rams is the incoming players. Samir Doughty and Jonathan Nwankwo will both become eligable after red-shirting this season. That extra year in the system will almost ensure that they will be ready to step into the rotation. Marquell Fraser is a big guard by the way of Canada who will give the Rams a talented perimeter defender and slasher as soon as he sets foot on campus. Louisiana native Malik Crowfield is a big and athletic shooting guard who can hit shots from range and fits the Rams up-tempo system very well.
Make no mistake though, the biggest addition for VCU and Will Wade is Hargrave Military Academy SF De'Riante Jenkins. The wing has been on an upward swing since last spring and has cemented himself as a top-50 prospect. Jenkins is arguably the biggest commit for the program since Terry Larrier. He should factor into the rotation immeditely, if not start.
So while VCU may be losing their two top scorers, it isn't a stretch to say that the Rams could actually be deeper than they were this season. With that in mind, expect Will Wade to lead this balanced and talented group to another top three finish in the Atlantic-10.
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