Shaka Smart weighs in on Troy Daniels’ reduced minutes

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Troy Daniels received a season low 12 minutes of playing time in VCU’s 67-42 win over Towson Thursday night.

The junior guard went 1-of-4, all from long range with three points on the night.

Head coach Shaka Smart said he didn’t like what he was seeing from Daniels and thought he didn’t come ready to play.

“I didn’t really like the way he was playing,” Smart said. “You’ve got to come in with a readiness and mindset to be in attack mode I don’t care if you’re at home or on the road, if not there’s plenty of other guys on the bench.”

Smart has repeatedly stated that Daniels is the best shooter he’s ever coached. Before Thursday night’s game, Daniels had arguably VCU’s hottest hand having gone nine for his last 23 from deep.

“Troy’s a good player, but if Troy judges himself on just making or missing three-point shots then he’s selling himself short,” Smart said. “He’s got to be able to let go of the last play so that the next play goes well, I don’t think he did that tonight.”