New season, new challenges: VCU Men’s basketball non-conference slate

Violet Velasquez, Contributing Writer

The Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team prepares for their 2024-25 season as their non-conference schedule was released this past Monday. 

 The newly announced slate holds a blend of high-profile matchups, key tournaments and challenging opponents that can set the tone for the team’s performance in the Atlantic-10 conference.

The Rams went 11-7 in their non-conference schedule during the 2023-24 season, according to VCU Athletics. 

The black and gold were projected to finish second in the Atlantic 10 rankings last year, according to the Atlantic 10. However, the Rams finished the season ranked as No. 5 after VCU’s men’s basketball program ran into unforeseen circumstances like coaching, roster changes and injuries right before the start of last season. 

“You know that takes time to put together all those pieces and interject them back into the fold, and get a rhythm going,” said head coach Ryan Odom.

This year’s non-conference schedule for the Rams features a series of diverse opponents, with several teams that were ranked in the top 75 nationally and others that competed in last year’s March Madness tournament.

VCU graduate student guard Zeb Jackson will be participating in his third season at VCU as one of two team captains. 

“Last year taught me how important it is to take advantage of these games right before we get into conference play. So not taking any team for granted,” Jackson said.

The schedule includes notable opponents and tournaments such as: 

Colorado State: The Rams are currently ranked  No. 36 in the country by NCAA. The team is known for its strong defensive play and recent tournament appearances. Colorado State has been a competitive program in recent years in the Mountain West Conference and showing defensive prowess that offers a challenge to opposing teams. The Rams averaged 6.3 steals, 3.1 blocks and 33.4 rebounds per game, according to CS Athletics, T.   

 New Mexico: The Lobos are currently ranked No. 22 in the country, according to the NCAA. This team is recognized for its high tempo and aggressive offensive style. The 2023-24 team averaged 67.7 ppg, 33.8 rebounds per game and 11.2 assists per game, according to NMS Athletics. Their dynamic offense puts significant pressure on other teams because of their scoring versatility. 

Shriners Children Hospital Charleston Classic: This tournament will take place in November and is composed of highly ranked teams from across the country. It features schools like Seton Hall University, Florida Atlantic University and University of Miami. FAU and Miami had appearances last year in the NCAA March Madness tournament, which could offer VCU a series of tough competition.

These games are really important in determining if VCU will qualify for March Madness and to the overall rankings of the tournament, Odom said.

“You’ve got to make sure you take care of business,” Odom said. “We’ve challenged ourselves with this particular non conference schedule and we’ve got some good teams coming into the Siegel Center.” 

The Rams are set for a dynamic season and fans should be excited, Jackson said.

The transfer portal has become a familiar friend to college athletics across the country. VCU has gained two new players from Clemson and UT-Arlington. There are also new players from Europe and a few freshmen added to this year’s roster, according to VCU Athletics. 

“Expect a lot of excitement. Expect to see a lot of love between teammates, a lot of fun, a lot of joy and expect us to do big things because we expect that from ourselves,” Jackson said.