Co-pilots: Theus and Weber run Havoc faster, smarter against Old Dominion
VCU manhandles Old Dominion 61-48.
Briante Weber had seven points and three assists in what was another productive offensive night for the freshman.
Quinn Casteel
Assistant Sports Editor
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Briante Weber and Darius Theus have a lot in common: They’re both point guards, they’re both from the 757 area code, and they were both recruited by Blaine Taylor and Old Dominion.
That being the case, it seems fitting that together they would pick apart Taylor’s defense when given the opportunity. The duo combined for 22 points and five steals on Saturday night as VCU extended its conference win streak to four with a 61-48 win over the rival Monarchs.
“I love when (Weber’s) out there on the court with me, and I think he probably feels the same way,” said Theus. “So the tempo is very much in control with both of us on the court.”
Theus had 15 points, most of which came by driving to the basket and getting layups or getting to the free throw line. For the second time all season, he went without an assist but still was effective facilitating the offense and creating shots for his teammates by driving and drawing extra defenders. He also went 6-of-7 at the free throw line and knocked down an open three pointer.
Weber on the other hand, did most of his work on defense. He had four steals in 22 minutes and pushed the ball out for breakaway and transition buckets for his teammates.
Although using two point guards can sometimes slow a team down offensively, Theus and Weber play with a synergy which only makes their teammates better.
“It feels good because I can play off the ball some, and (Weber) can run the point,” said Theus. “It’s just easier for both of us playing together. With me being more experienced, I can help him out on the court, and with his defensive energy, he can pick up my defensive energy.”
Not only do Weber and Theus have playing styles that complement each other, they are extremely close off the court as well. Both being from the same area, Theus took Weber under his wing at the beginning of the season, and his mentorship has undoubtedly played a role in Weber’s success as a freshman.
“Those guys love playing together,” said Shaka Smart. “They lift each other up. I think Briante’s confidence is infectious – it makes Darius even more aggressive and more confident. And I think Darius is able to keep Briante a little more disciplined and a little more sound than he would be without him.”
Smart said the point guard duo has clicked from day one of the offseason when they played pick-up with the team and some alumni. He said that they dominated together, even against past VCU point guard greats Eric Maynor and Joey Rodriguez.
As evidenced by Maynor and Rodriguez, VCU in recent years has become somewhat of a point guard factory. In just 20 games as the team’s starting point guard, Theus has shown that he has what it takes to be the next name on that list. And for Weber, the potential is limitless given his freakish athletic ability and the people he has to learn from.
The combination of Theus and Weber is a two-headed monster that has given Havoc a new, even quicker and more intelligent feel to it. And that’s a scary thought.
