Brandon Johns transferring to VCU
April 20th, 2022 at 11:36 PM ^
Vcu loading up on wolverines. Lots of run and gun play in their conference, spent some time in Richmond when my wife was at vcu in the Shaka Smart era. It'll be interesting to see if they excel in that environment, can get away with sloppy ball more at least when I was living there. We use to chew up vcu and spit them out of the tournament. Havoc was more successful vs small schools.
I'm not sure if the problem with havoc was the size of the school; rather, I think it was just such a new thing that teams were completely off-guard.
To me, I think most of the schools that have matched up with them have figured it out. Once you break the press, it's over. They are too freaking tired to play solid D.
Yup it’s like Cuse in the tourney vs regular season. A unique style of D that is tough to prep for with 1-2 days notice but if you are familiar with it, it’s easier to break down. That’s generally why Cuse has outperformed their seeding
The Cuse zone works so well because it's about defense, not turnovers. They move so freaking well in that thing and really swallow the ball when it gets in tough spots (corners). Ultimately, the opponent needs to hit a long shot or a shot from the top of the key (which, is not something that is popular in today's game).
Havoc (havok?) worked so well because it was something completely new that caught everyone off-guard. It was based on the sole purpose of pressing until you can press no more. When Michigan played them in the tourney, they really did whatever they wanted once they got beyond the press.
The zone is a lot more sustainable because it is so well-focused- havoc CAN work if the opponent has inferior ball handlers or get tight in certain situations. But, havoc is not really sustainable over the course of the game because it is so draining.
But Beilein did masterfully.
I live in Richmond and did for the VCU Final Four run. The thing people don't seem to remember is they did not play the Havoc style defense that season. Shaka had inherited Anthony Grant's players and while it was a small-ball center in Jamie Skeen and had a pesky lead guard who got some steals (Joey Rodriguez), they weren't playing a high-turnover, transition-fueled style of offense. They played traditional halfcourt offensive sets and hit a ridiculous % from 3 for that entire tourney run.
Havoc really started getting instilled in years 3 and 4 of Smart and its interesting he never made it back to the Sweet Sixteen at VCU after that.
VCU's current offensive and defensive philosophy looks a lot more like that FF team with good defensive lead guards but an offense that can function in the halfcourt and isn't wildly turnover dependant. Brandon could do pretty OK there against a step down in physical talent.
I was also at VCU during the Shaka years. He was revered at VCU. I wonder if there's ever been a better case of it's better to be a big fish in a little pond than Shaka.
Yes. He coached football here from 2011-2014.
VCU Football: Still Undefeated
That's a good example, but I don't think Hoke was treated even close to Shaka. Every billboard and poster had his face. People would follow him around on campus and text their friends when he was eating somewhere, etc. It was gonzo.
April 21st, 2022 at 10:08 AM ^
He was fortunate enough to take over a Anthony Grant high pressure defense. Kids were ready for his defense when Shaka moved up. Very Nolan Richardson like defense. They still play similar style now I believe, teams just figure it out eventually so they're less successful.
April 20th, 2022 at 11:37 PM ^
Hope he has a great year for VCU.
April 20th, 2022 at 11:39 PM ^
The VCU Wolverines
April 20th, 2022 at 11:43 PM ^
Im guessing they dont run that "Shaka Smart style" anymore ,if they do ,this would be the worse possible place for a player like Johns to end up .He doesnt hustle and his reaction time is very slow
Best of Luck
Quit drinking and go to bed.
I love being a turtle!!!!
Thank you, Mr. Johns, for your contributions to Michigan, and good luck with the next step in your life.
Wish him the best at VCU.
That's a fun school and city to spend some time in. RVA is underrated
It does seem underrated. I had a good time there on a visit last year.
I was going to say "Eat here!" but this place closed in February:
Good luck and thank you!
Good luck to them at VCU. Does VCU have any shooters they could send us? Maybe they can be our unofficial minor league affiliate.
Good luck, Brandon! VCU sounds like a cool place to spend your final year playing ball.
Warmer, slower, friendlier way of life. Hope you get another postseason shot as well.
Wonder whether some credit for Brandon Johns Jr.'s choice of schools for his transfer goes to Phil Martelli whose son Jimmy Martelli is Director of Operations for VCU men's basketball.
Doubt it's a coincidence.
Honestly, it's a pretty good look for the program. Understanding that players are going to want to transfer for playing time or just a change of scenery... Supporting them, vouching for them to other staffs, and helping them find a good landing spot. Shows the staff actually cares about the players and not just what's best for the team.
Good luck; good move for Brandon. Felt last year like he was on the verge of something, but was not to be at Michigan. Hope he sees some of that at VCU. Thanks!
Wish him luck. Hopefully he'll find his footing.
Despite not living up to our expectations, Brandon Johns will always be a Michigan Wolverine. Richest blessing on him. Here's to hoping he has a fantastic final season and finally reaches the potential that so many see in him.
April 21st, 2022 at 11:28 AM ^
I live equidistant from DC and Richmond, and much prefer to go to the Richmond area if I need a shot of big city life. It's not that big, but big enough. And it's a beautiful skyline at night, especially driving north on I-95 coming into the city. All of the buildings are outlined in the same color lighting, and it looks awesome. Besides, the VCU Children's Hospital did some good work with (then very-young) child back in the day, so it has a warm spot in my heart.
Good luck to Brandon!
April 21st, 2022 at 11:40 AM ^
Best of luck!
Brandon Johns needed a change of scenery more than any other player on our team.
I really hope he figures out how to put it all together and have a solid year.
Finally I can say "Let's Go Brandon!" in a non-sarcastic tone.
April 21st, 2022 at 10:19 PM ^
Did the guy who came here a few weeks ago and told us all Johns work ethic is poor and he doesnt love the game and was in fact not worthy, warn VCU of these issues he knew about for years? Hopefully he sent a strongly worded email to Martelli's son.
He was kind enough to tell us about his findings not before he signed, not 1 year in the program, not 2 years in, not 3 years in, but as Johns was exiting! Thanks dude! Hope you contacted VCU so they don't face the same crushing issues!!