The player breakdown

Mo Alie-Cox / No. 12
6-7, 250
Hometown: Alexandria,Va./ Middleburg, Academy
Position: Forward
Class: Junior

Known for his abruptive shot blocking capability, Alie-Cox is a bruiser on the lo block. Averaged seven points and six rebounds per game last season. Alie-Cox provides a dominant force in the paint for the Rams on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. His “Mo says No” trademark has resonates across the Stu after each blocked shot. Mo was voted to the Atlantic 10 preseason third team and all defensive team. Prediction: 7 PPG/10 RPG.

Korey Billbury / No. 24
6-4, 210
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla./ Oral Roberts University
Position: Guard
Class: Senior

Billbury came to VCU at a much needed time. The strong and sturdy scorer offers an well-equipped offensively talented playmaker, capable of scoring from every aspect of the game. A bigger guard at 210 pounds, Billbury is able to drive to the basket on smaller defenders and provide rebounds at the guard position. The Tulsa native averaged 14.4 points and 7 rebounds for ORU last season.Prediction: 13 PPG/ 7 RPG.

Doug Brooks / No. 5

6-4 195
Hometown: Lake Wales, Fl./ Lake Wells
Position: Guard
Class: Junior

A lethal shooter that came on late in the season for the Rams last season, Brooks offers instant offense off the bench. Brooks shot 40 percent from the three-point line and 62.1 percent from the field last season. Tallied 14 points against Ohio State in the NCAA tournament game to close the season.Prediction: 7 PPG/ 2 RPG.

Jordan Burgess / No. 20
6-5 225
Hometown: Richmond, Va./ Benedictine
Position: Guard
Class: Junior

Possibly the strongest player on the team pound-for-pound, Burgess brings physicality to the game, often times assigned to shut down the opposing team’s top playmaker. Burgess, finally healthy, shot the ball well last season, hitting big three’s when given the opportunity. His five points and four rebounds average last season will escalate with a heavier role this season. Prediction: 8 PPG/ 4 RPG.

Torey Burston / No. 14
5-8 180
Hometown: Richmond,Va./ Trinity Episcopal School
Position: Guard
Class: Junior

A scrappy, relentless defender, set to see critical minutes on the court this season according to coach Wade. Probably the fastest player on the squad, Burston’s main objective will be to provide pressure in the full court press, forcing opponent’s into turnovers turned into fast break points. Prediction: 2 PPG/ 2 SPG.

Samir Doughty / No. 2
6-4 180
Philadelphia, Pa./ Math Civics and Sciences
Position: Guard
Class: Freshman

A late addition into the program, Doughty provides a strong scoring threat for the future. Averaging 25 points per game in high school, Doughty was ranked the NO. 35 point guard in the country and No. 6 player in the state of PA. Prediction: 3 PPG/ 1 APG.

Michael Gilmore / No. 11
6-10 215
Jacksonville, Fla.
Position: Guard
Class: Sophomore

A long, capable scorer for the Rams, Gilmore will be an asset to the offense this season. With an improved jumpshot able to extend to the three-point line, Gilmore provides a matchup problem for forwards unable to move their feet to stick with him. The Florida native shot 48 percent from the floor last season. Prediction: 5 PPG/ 5 RPG.

Ahmed Hamdy-Mohamed / No. 23
6-9 230
Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt/ Lee College
Position: Forward
Class: Junior

Known by “Hamdy” his presence on the low block will be much needed this season to go along with Alie-Cox. A high motor around the basket and a proven offensive weapon, Hamdy gives VCU the depth it needs down low. Last season at Lee College, Hamdy average 16.6 PPG to go alongside 10.7 RPG. Prediction: 5 PPG/ 7 RPG.

Melvin Johnson / No. 32
6-4 190
Hometown: Bronx, NY./ St. Benedict’s Prep NJ
Position: Guard
Class: Senior

The leader of the team, Johnson is the face of VCU basketball. Johnson was named to the preseason A-10 Third Team, coming off a successful season last year, averaging 12.4 PPG while amassing an impressive 40 percent field goal percentage. The NY native will rely on his three-point shooting to lead the Rams back to an A-10 Championship this year. Prediction: 14 PPG/ 3 APG.

Jequan Lewis / No. 1
6-1 180
Hometown: Dickson Tn./ Dickson County
Position: Guard
Class: Junior

Quick, explosive and great court vision describe the play of the Tennessee native, Lewis is primed to take over the reigns at point guard. Coming off a season where he averaged 8.5 PPG and 2.7 APG, Lewis will be called on to step up big for the Rams. Limiting turnovers will be the focus for him to improve on this season. Prediction: 9 PPG/ 6 APG.

Jonathan Nwankwo / No. 33
6-9 245
Hometown: Bronx, NY./ Victory Rock Prep
Position: Forward
Class: Freshman

Nwankwo brings a big body to the program, able to learn from Alie-Cox and Hamdy about the position before he is rushed into action. Nwankwo was the No. 19 Center in the country out of high school. Prediction: Redshirt

Jordan Riullano / No. 35
5-9 185
Hometown: Bronx, NY/ Victory Rocky Prep
Position: Guard
Class: Freshman

Riullano provides depth at the point guard position for the future. The Bronx native will probably take on a similiar role as Burston, observing and adjusting to the game at this level before playing later on in his career. Prediction: Redshirt

Geron Scissum / No. 22
6-7 210
Hometown: Huntsville, Ala./ Lee Huntsville
Position: Forward
Class: Freshman

Scissum is a lean, high motor big man with a good feel for the game. His best work will come on the defensive end in the future. Averaged 16.4 PPG and 9.0 RPG last season for Lee Huntsville. Prediction: Limited Action/Redshirt.

Justin Tillman / No. 4
6-7 215
Hometown: Detroit, MI/ Pershing
Position: Forward
Class: Sophomore

Tillman is VCU’s human highlight reel. The most heralded of the 2014 recruiting class, Tillman is a big-time dunk machine. Known for his tenacious defensive ability, he has worked to improve his mid range jump-shot to better contribute on the offensive end. Prediction: Dunks, Dunks, and More Dunks — 6 PPG/ 6 RPG.

Jonathan Williams / No. 10
6-1 185
Hometown: Richmond,Va./St. Benedict’s Prep NJ
Position: Guard
Class: Sophomore

“Flash” Williams, a nickname deservant due to his lightning quick ability to push the ball, is set to play crucial minutes at point guard. His defensive pressure in the full court press and speed to beat his man off the dribble give him the edge to become a solid point guard for the program. Prediction: 4 PPG/ 3 APG.

Sports Editor, Bryant Drayton

Bryant is a sports advocate thats always smiling. He is a senior print and online journalism major aspiring for a career as a professional or college football columnist. Bryant currently covers high school football games for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. // Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

draytonbo@commonwealthtimes.org