With seven newcomers and players moving around two games into the season because of an injury to point guard/catalyst Ace Baldwin, VCU backed off some on its full-court pressure some
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Two starters may return for VCU versus the Dores. You can somewhat throw away the Rams 3-3 record if these starters do play. It helps VCU, obviously, in terms of depth and their quality of play and provides a "lift" in terms of VCU's ability to pressure the Dores the entire game.
If we do get full court pressure, we will really be hurting if Manjon is the only PG available. Will Lewis return to the fold for VU, although I know that he is only a frosh with limited minutes so far?
Baldwin, Watkins day to day
Rhoades said Baldwin (broken wrist) and starting wing
Jamir Watkins (bone bruise in knee) are day to day going into Wednesday’s game against Vanderbilt (3-3) at the Siegel Center (7 p.m.).
Baldwin had surgery 10 days ago and has been on a 2-3 week timetable to return. Watkins, a 6-7 redshirt sophomore, has been dealing with the bone bruise for about a week, Rhoades said. Watkins played only 6 minutes against Kennesaw State.
If neither is able to play, it would leave the Rams (4-2) without two of their top scoring options. Baldwin averaged 12 points and 35.5 minutes, with 14 assists, 10 steals and five turnovers, before the injury. Watkins is averaging 9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds and shooting 41.2% on 3-pointers.
Watkins missed last season while recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee. Rhoades said the bruise is in the other knee.
“Jamir went to the doctor [Monday],” Rhoades said. “As you know [bone bruises are] very painful. Sometimes they linger for a while. But there’s nothing structural or anything like that. It’s more of let’s try to get him feeling better and better so he can feel good about how he’s playing and moving.”