Reddic bulks up for bigger role

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Quinn Casteel
Assistant Sports Editor

Commonwealth Times Sports’ Twitter

Scratch “lanky” off the list of cliché adjectives for announcers to use when they talk about Juvonte Reddic.

The sophomore forward has transformed his body this offseason, now standing at 6-foot-9, 235 pounds, up 25 from his freshman season. Shaka Smart put him on a strenuous summer workout program that included two, sometimes three workouts a day, and the results speak for themselves.

Photo credit: Chris Conway

Despite starting 12 of VCU’s 36 games last season, Reddic was more or less waiting his turn as he adjusted to the
intricacies of the college game and learned from his veteran teammates. But with the departure of the four seniors plus the abrupt exit of Toby Veal, Reddic will be one of the key players in Smart’s scheme this year.

“He’s just getting a lot more opportunities and he’s more of a focal point of what we’re doing,” said Smart. “What we need from [Reddic] is to play with a consistently high motor all the time.”

Reddic received high praise from his coach for the way he worked this offseason, but the physical aspects are just one area in which he improved. With such an inexperienced team which includes four true freshman, two redshirts and just one senior, Reddic will have to overcome his quiet personality and step into a leadership role as well.

“I’m not that talkative at all, I’m a pretty chill and quiet person,” said Reddic. “But I’m going to do whatever it takes to help my team, so if I need to step out of my comfort zone and become a leader that’s what I’m gonna do.”

Reddic said he helps the freshmen by telling them about the growing pains he went through last season, and works with them on the same adjustments he had to make just a year ago.

“Everything just came so fast, but once you get used to it you start to pick up the pace,” he said on adjusting to the college game. “I tell them just to have fun and work hard.”

Reddic, Rob Brandenberg and DJ Haley all made significant contributions as freshman last season, and will play a big part in VCU’s success this season. Reddic said he believes the three of them are the core of the team.

“Those guys are going to have an opportunity to take on an enhanced role, so it’s going to be interesting to see what they do with that role,” said Smart on his trio of sophomores.

For Reddic, the sky is the limit when it comes to physical ability, and the weight he put on in the offseason should pay big dividends. Look for a breakout year on both sides of the ball.

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