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**jdshock** · November 2, 2012, 05:50 PM

Last year it seemed that whenever we were on ESPNU it was shown online for free and that there was an archive kept so we could watch the game at a later point in time. Does anyone know if that will be the case this year? I'm not going to be able to watch this game live but I want to be able to see it.

On a side note: I'd really like to see a rivalry form between VCU and WSU. Obviously, the last couple of years haven't gone WSU's way but I think emotional victories/losses frequently start great rivalries. I wish we would play them yearly.

**another shocker** · November 2, 2012, 06:04 PM

Look out for Van Vleet, one of Illinois' finest. He might not play as much as he should in that game (similar to Joe Ragland as a junior.. 9 mpg over a seven game period, 30 assists to 4 turnovers in that same stretch, yet still no more minutes etc) but he'll show up (if not injured, which he currently is.. but his game excels, over south, east, whatever). Marshall favors upperclassmen at every turn, any and all times. You'll see plenty of Armstead, Williams and Hall, and probably Orupke too- not a bad starting point. 'Shockers are probably underrated- but time will tell.

**1972Shocker** · November 2, 2012, 06:38 PM

I'm pessimistic about the Shocks chances of winning a game at VCU. However, I think we will be competitive.

We did lose a lot of firepower from last year's team. We think we have added a lot of nice, new shiny pieces, but they are new and unproven at this point. We are also dealing with some injuries to 1/3rd or our roster. I don't think any of these injuries are too serious, however, they probably have slowed the team development process to this point.

One thing about a pessimist though is that he will either be proven corrrect or pleasantly surprised. So we will see what happens.

We should have a little better idea of what we will bring to the table after our one exhibition game against D-II Pittsburg State and our D-1 opener against NC Central although that level of competition may not have us well prepared for what we are likely to face at VCU.

**DistrictBaller** · November 2, 2012, 07:07 PM

Thanks for the info so far... and nice signature line 1972Shocker! That coach is a pretty neat guy. ;)

We'll have our home opener on November 9th at 7:30 EST against Florida Gulf Coast as a prelude game to the Battle 4 Atlantis. For those of you who want a scouting opportunity, you can watch a free live stream of the game here: http://vcuathletics.cstv.com/allaccess/

**Capitol Shock II** · November 2, 2012, 07:24 PM

Welcome to our board but I can't stand your program or coach. I think your coach is a jerk and I don't think your players, at least recently, performed with much class and I see that as an inherited trait from the coaching staff.

I would classify your team as a team I love to hate. With that said, Shaka has built a good program and the players have talent. They also took us out of our offense last year when it mattered most...another reason I hate them since I was at that game.

Anyway, I hope we absolutely embarrass you though I'm not holding my breath. After that I hope you guys run the table and humiliate KU again in the tournament because I like them less than I like you guys.

Good luck with your season and please take out as many BCSr's as you can. That's about as nice as I can be.

**DistrictBaller** · November 2, 2012, 07:36 PM

Haha awesome post.

I'm not sure where you're getting all that hatred, unless Shaka's short handshake stirred that much emotion in you. That's impressive! He's not a huge fan of Gregg Marshall, but has always spoken well of Wichita State as a program. I have no idea where the class of the players came into question during our match ups, but hey, perceptions vary depending on who you root for and who wins so I can understand your feelings.

Thanks for the well-wishes and I return them to you, except for when we play. We'll do our best to take out the big boys when we get the opportunities to do so.

**shoxilla** · November 2, 2012, 07:52 PM

Shox bring it, by 1 in OT, rivalry on, Tulsa SUCKS!!!

**jrschh** · November 2, 2012, 08:06 PM

DBaller,

I live up in the D.C. area and plan on coming down to catch the game. We'll probably head down a little early (to beat some of the rush hour traffic) What's your arena like and any suggestions on places to eat before the game? I'm told by guys at work that the area is a little rough around the campus. I laughed and just said that sounds like WSU.

**DistrictBaller** · November 2, 2012, 08:32 PM

Yep. The campus is downtown and the arena itself is on the main street through downtown Richmond (Broad Street). It is rough in the surrounding blocks, as you might expect for an urban campus in a decent-size city. If you're smart you'll be fine, much like any city of appreciable size. There isn't likely going to be much of a problem with as busy as it gets around the arena on game night.

There are plenty of places to eat on Broad Street so you won't have to go far to get a pre-game meal. Most VCU fans meet up at The Village Cafe which is just a block away from the Siegel Center. There is also a 5 Guys Burger and Fries, Qdoba, Extreme Pizza, Jersey Mike's Subs, Subway etc. all on Broad Street within a couple of blocks so there is no shortage of food options. Just walk down Broad Street and you can take your pick of whatever you like. The Village Cafe is pretty good though. Great food and service.

The arena seats 7,617 and is similar to Koch as far as how loud and boisterous it gets. VCU boasts a strong home court advantage and has sold-out the last 18 games with all season-tickets sold-out for this season as well. We have a 163-27 (0.8579) record in that arena since it opened in 1999, which is the 11th highest winning percentage in the country: http://rpiratings.com/homecourtrec.php

**Capitol Shock II** · November 2, 2012, 08:40 PM

DB, my perceptions have been wrong before...they could be wrong this time to.

**DistrictBaller** · November 2, 2012, 08:46 PM

If any of you guys want to check out the highlights from our exhibition game last night against Virginia Union and our post-game presser highlights, you can see them here at our fan site: http://www.vcuramnation.com/2012/11/video-vcu-v-virginia-union/

It gives a decent feel for the atmosphere, arena, and our style of play and personnel, albeit a little muted as any blowout exhibition contest would be.

**jrschh** · November 2, 2012, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the info, DB.

**C0|dB|00ded** · November 2, 2012, 09:07 PM

Hi,

Why are you selling so hard?

P.S. Your little bandbox is nothing like Koch Arena (one of the loudest arenas in college basketball). And you consider the Atlantic 10 the "big stage"..? I guess it's all a matter of perspective.

T

...:cool:

**DistrictBaller** · November 2, 2012, 09:19 PM

Ask anyone in our fan base, I'm the guy who goes around to the message boards of opposing fan bases to chat up our games. It's part of my addiction and I know I need help. haha

The Siegel Center is pretty loud in its own right. It was definitely the loudest and most difficult place to play in the CAA and should be among the better ones in the A-10. We do have a top 15 national home court advantage as the numbers bear out. It really isn't all that impressive from a physical aesthetic standpoint but it is loud as heck. Low ceilings, metal bleachers, and a very loud and energetic band contribute to that. We're proud of it.

Koch was very impressive as well and I'm certainly not taking anything away from the home court advantage there. Our win there was why we got into the NCAA tournament in 2011 so the difficulty of winning in your arena is not lost on me.

As for the A-10 being a 'big stage', I meant to say 'bigger stage' which it undoubtedly is in comparison to the CAA. The league could challenge some lower BCS conferences this year with Butler and VCU joining and Temple still in the league this season. 10 teams in the A-10 this year were in the top 100 RPI last year and that doesn't include Butler who brings in the best shooter in the country in Rotnei Clarke this year and the best shooter in the class of 2012 in Kellen Dunham. It could be an excellent year for the A-10 with pundits predicting as many as 5 NCAA bids.

Announcement

Shockers @ VCU- November 13th, 2012 (ESPNU)

Shockers @ VCU- November 13th, 2012 (ESPNU)

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