Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams

Official Twitter account for the @heatcheckcbb Simulation VCU Rams.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

Ram Nation, I hear the frustration about not getting a single vote for the Top 25 despite our resume and an SOR of 19. And while it may add fuel to the fire in our locker room, trust me: We're focused on winning titles the rest of the way, not the respect of some sports writers.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

With a loss at Dayton the last time out, our winning streak finally came to an end at 14 GAMES. What a run for our youngsters, who find themselves atop the A-10 with five to play. Can't say enough about their effort and focus as they continue to find ways to win close games.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

clutch play down the stretch of games during a 9-game winning streak. average margin of victory is five, including a 15-point win (three of those wins in OT). hitting the road for four of the next six, favored by three or less in every single game. tough tests ahead for the Rams.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

We head into A-10 play with some serious momentum, winning our last four nonconference games. The kids were tested in tight spots — the margins of victory were 2, 5, 4, and 3. With the conference being so competitive this season, this should be a barometer of things to come.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

A tough nonconference slate should continue to test our youngsters — seven of our eight players are freshmen and sophomores. An early taste of success is nice, but no guarantee of thing to come. The kids will have to maintain their focus and get better each and every day.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

Really encouraging start to the season. We made a run to the title game at the Barclays Center Classic, including a 14-point win over 18th-ranked Illinois, a game we entered as 8-point dogs. We ultimately fell to champion and now 8th-ranked Missouri, but played with great effort.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

We get things started in the Barclays Center Classic against Sam Houston State. The three-day tournament should be a great early test for our young team. Bring on the regular season!

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

Lots of excitement here, heading into the upcoming season. We finalized our nonconference schedule, highlighted by games against San Diego State and Rutgers; we played with great effort in an exhibition win over 26th-ranked Kansas State; and the staff hit the recruiting trail.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

I'm looking forward to returning to Richmond and continuing the rich tradition of success that we've all become accustomed to, and to the packed crowds at the Siegel Center. Time to get to work. #LetsGoVCU #LetsGoRams

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

It's with a mixture of joy and sadness that I announce I've accepted an offer to coach my alma mater, the VCU Rams. I leave Pepperdine after a season of surpassed expectations, and an incoming recruiting class ranked 43rd in the country (the best in school history).

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

As hard as it is to leave a program on its way to the top of the WCC, with a bunch of great kids, VCU is a literal dream job for me. But I'm comforted in knowing that I leave Pepperdine knowing it's in better shape than when I arrived.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@TheWord_MBBSim the bigger problem is being a Prestige 5 school in a conference with teams like Gonzaga and even San Fran that are much better. inherently disadvantaged, but that's why i'm targeting players who are relentless workers and program guys.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@TheWord_MBBSim 🤣 the funny thing is I couldn't land positions of need this cycle, and i had to rescind offers to my top targets because i wasn't going to overtake TAMCC, Portland, CSF, and others. my current roster is so devoid of talent that almost any recruit will be an upgrade.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@HeatCheckCBB @HeatCbb can you explain the impact of the answers to reporters’ questions?

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

on the recruiting front, we secured a commitment from top-300 SG Arron Eatmon out of Oregon. he’s a tenacious defender and will have an immediate impact on our team’s culture next year.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

little late, but after a great first season at the helm of UNCG and leaving the team in great shape, i’ve moved on to Pepperdine to fix this busted program. a 2-4 start to the season includes an upset W at top-100 Rutgers. the kids are working hard and already seeing results.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@HeatCheckCBB and last question: is the crystal ball a reflection of securing a commitment? should we be using it to inform who we even offer? or is it just a prediction based on current offers made?

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@HeatCheckCBB is the recruiting sheet / Crystal Ball acting up? one minute it's not showing any offers or predictions for anyone; then when i refresh, it shows a bunch of predictions and offers. it's also showing different data on my laptop than my brother is seeing on his.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@HeatCheckCBB got it. thanks for the quick response! also, any chance we can get access to the actual shared google sheet like we did in Season 1? the embedded view is a little challenging. but no worries if not.

[Heat Check CBB Sim - VCU Rams @HeatCheck_VCU]

@HeatCheckCBB but existing coaches get first crack at these teams after Season 2, right? since the ones getting these teams are technically interim?