SCOUTING REPORT: VCU men’s basketball vs. Loyola Chicago

VCU men’s basketball will take on Atlantic 10 opponent Loyola University Chicago at the Siegel Center on Jan. 30 at 9 p.m. 

The CT sports staff chose their notable players for the matchup. 

VCU

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor

Michael Belle — Belle is what you call a versatile two-way player. He can not only score in the paint, but also impact the game defensively, using his size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. Standing at 6-foot-8-inches, this third-year forward continues to prove why he should remain on the court. Belle helped lead the Rams to victory against St. Joseph’s University on Jan. 19, recording a career-high of 20 points, three steals and tied his best with two blocks. He has been with the Rams all of his collegiate career and improves each year. He averages 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds this season. If Loyola wants to climb up the ladder in the A-10 rankings and win, it must make Belle work for every touch and shut off his scoring lanes.  

Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer

Lazar Djokovic — Djokovic has quietly emerged as one of VCU’s most reliable and impactful frontcourt pieces, making him a key player to watch in the Rams’ matchup. He’s a third-year skilled forward who brings versatility on both ends of the floor. Djokovic excels in pick-and-roll situations, where his soft touch around the rim and strong finishing ability makes him a consistent scoring threat. During his 24-25 season, he averaged 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, numbers that reflect his ability to maximize possessions rather than force offense. He also recorded 10 double-digit scoring games, highlighting his capacity to control the paint over extended stretches. Djokovic’s on-ball defense was highlighted by performances that included four steals in one game and four blocks in another. His international experience with Serbia at the FIBA U19 World Cup — where he averaged 14.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists — further underscored his poise and basketball IQ. Against Loyola Chicago, Djokovic’s efficiency, physicality and two-way presence could be a decisive factor for VCU.

Loyola Chicago 

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer

Miles Rubin — Third-year Miles Rubin has proved to be an increasingly important asset to the Ramblers on the defensive side of the court. During his rookie season, the Chicago native made the A-10 Conference All-Rookie team, and the A-10 Conference All-Defensive team. Additionally, last season the 6-foot-10-inch center added another A-10 Conference All-Defensive to his resume and is doing more of the same in this year’s campaign. Rubin has played and started in all 20 games for the Ramblers this season, averaging 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per-game, according to Loyola Chicago Athletics. Although Loyola Chicago does not have the best record this season in conference, the shot-blocker could potentially clog up the lane and interrupt the Rams’ scoring ability inside of the paint, especially down the stretch. 

Tyrese Perkins, Contributing Writer 

Nic Anderson — With a long injury report for Loyola Chicago, first-year guard Nic Anderson could see an expanded role against VCU. The 6-foot-4-inch combo guard has averaged 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists over his last five games, shooting 36.3% from the field and scoring a season-high 17 points against George Mason on Jan. 13. Anderson, a nationally ranked three-star recruit prior to committing to Loyola Chicago, according to 247sports, has shown the athleticism and confidence to finish around the rim and contribute in various ways while on the court. Given VCU’s struggles at times defending opposing guards, Anderson’s ability to rebound at his position and generate offense can make him a key player for a depleted Ramblers lineup in this A-10 matchup.