Senior leaders to guide young team

Sean Labar
Contributing Writer

The VCU men’s basketball team will tip off its 2013-14 season on Friday night without two key pieces from last year’s team: point guard Darius Theus and shooting guard Troy Daniels.

Both graduated in the spring, and it will be up to seniors Juvonte Reddic, Rob Brandenberg and Terrance Shannon to take over leadership on a squad that lists eight freshmen on its roster.

All three have embraced their new role and say that their job is easier because of the younger players’ willingness to learn.

“I’ve been impressed with how the freshmen have been coachable,” Brandenberg said. They just want to learn. They come to me, they come to Terrance, or they come to Juvonte as big brothers whenever they need help.”

Reddic could arguably have the biggest impact on those around him. He averaged 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season and is on the radar of several NBA teams. The younger guys will naturally look up to him.

Reddic attended camps hosted by NBA stars Lebron James and Amare Stoudemire in the offseason and attributes those experiences to helping him gain leadership skills.

“I learned that I could be a leader both on and off the court,” he said. “In the past I kept to myself but I’ve been working on it, and coach Smart has been on me about becoming a leader. I think I’ve done a good job trying to teach the young guys what I learned at those camps.”

Shannon, a transfer from Florida State, entered the preseason in a unique situation. He had to learn Shaka Smart’s fast paced-system while still trying to use his veteran knowledge to assist the younger players.

His teammates feel like it has been a smooth transition.

“(Shannon) never seemed uncomfortable, he’s one of the most vocal players on the team” Brandenberg said about Shannon. “Just his experience will help everyone on the court, he’s a big addition to this team.”

Brandenberg understands the value of leadership and used the offseason to prepare for his new role.

“I’ve been thinking about it since the season ended last year.” Brandenberg said. “There are different ways to lead. I take pride in doing things the right way. I lead by example. Whenever someone needs guidance, they can look at me.”

The Rams are heading into Friday’s game ranked No. 14 in the nation in the AP preseason poll, the first time in school history they have entered the season as a ranked team.

But the seniors understand that nothing is accomplished until they take the court and perform.

“We can only take preseason polls with a grain of salt,” Brandenberg said. “We’ve been around the game three or four years now and realize anything can happen. We just have to control what we can control and bring the freshman along.”