How to watch BYU vs. VCU: Odds, storylines for men's NCAA Tournament matchup
BYU has lost in the Round of 64 in its last five NCAA Tournament appearances. The last time the Cougars made it past that round was 2011. BYU is favored against VCU in Thursday's first-round game, but the Rams are a trendy upset pick.
We've got a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the matchup, plus odds and viewing info. Our game previews are a collaborative effort between The Athletic staff, The Field of 68 and Brad Evans' The Gaming Juice.
Own your bracket pool with The Athletic
Projecting the bracket | Best picks to win the title | Best bracket names
Strengths: Filling up the cup is a BYU speciality. Comfortable playing in half-court grinders or all-out sprints, the Cougars are well-drilled, unselfish and highly efficient. They enter the postseason No. 5 in effective field goal percentage, netting 37 percent on 3-pointers and over 59 percent on 2s. Also, they rank top-30 nationally in assist to field goals made, slicing and dicing teams like Bobby Flay making a perfectly cooked prime rib. Peaking at the right time, Kevin Young's crew ranked top-10 in overall BARTHAG rating and Wins Above Bubble on BartTorvik over the regular season's final month. With one of the tallest teams in the Dance, they're also supreme glass commanders. On the season, they finished inside the top 70 nationally in offensive and defensive rebound percentage. Junior center Keba Keita is a mauler. As a cherry on top, 41.8 percent of BYU's minutes were played off the bench. In other words, it doesn't lose much punch across rotational lines.
Advertisement
Weaknesses: D is clearly optional for Jimmer Fredette U. Over its final 10 regular-season games, it ranked an ultra friendly No. 164 in effective field goal percent defense, surrendering 50.6 percent inside the arc and 34.1 percent beyond it. The Cougars must communicate, play connected and body up to overachieve. Free-throw shooting is another glaring shortcoming. BYU converted a paltry 69.4 percent at the charity stripe, where only 15.5 percent of its points were sourced (No. 356 in the nation). That's partially a function of its overall offensive efficiency, but drawing whistles and taking advantage at the line needs to be prioritized.
Outlook: Winners in nine of the last 10, the Cougars enter the tournament habanero hot. Over 47 percent of their jacks come from 3-point range. When owning the arc and playing just average defense, they can compete with almost anyone. Their size, depth and overall offensive execution are attractive pluses. If NBA-bound point guard Egor Demin can play under control, BYU has the goods to taste sweetness for only the third time since 1981.
—Brad Evans
Strengths: VCU may have the best guard group in the entire country. Max Shulga, Phillip Russell and Joe Bamisile are a three-headed monster, and Zeb Jackson comes off the bench as a double-figure scorer as well. Guards win ballgames in March, and the Rams have four seniors they can rely on. That's scary. Defensively, the Rams are elite, ranking sixth in effective field goal percentage defense (45.1 percent) and top-30 in both turnover and steal percentage. They turn you over, share the ball, attempt a ton of 3-pointers and don't allow opponents to shoot it well. There's a lot to like about this group.
Weaknesses: Really, it's VCU's overall resume that raises questions. It has just one Quad 1 win and a Quad 4 loss to 7-24 Seton Hall in overtime. The Rams also played just one KenPom top-50 team (New Mexico) and lost by seven, so it's hard to gauge how they would fare against some of the best teams in the country. The other concern? The frontcourt depth is pretty thin with three 6-foot-10 forwards in Jack Clark, Christian Fermin and Luke Bamgboye. They hold down the fort, but they aren't going to blow anyone away down low with their scoring or rebounding.
Advertisement
Outlook: VCU's guard play and defensive prowess scream that it's a team that can upset a higher seed and make some noise in March. We just haven't seen it happen on the court against the best of the best. That reality warrants cautious optimism, but man, it feels like Shulga is bound to hit a big shot to win a game.
—Sam Lance
Streaming and Betting/Odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Photo of Dallin Hall: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dwyane Wade wears many hats after the NBA: Father, entrepreneur, cancer survivor
Dwyane Wade's résumé could have stopped at three-time NBA champion, 13-time NBA All-Star and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. But his basketball success has given him access to a wide range of people and opportunities, in ventures involving sports, education, entertainment, food and wine. His post-basketball duties expanded with last month's announcement that he would join Prime Video's NBA coverage for the 2025-26 season as an in-game and studio analyst. Wade is considered one of the best players in NBA history because of his versatility on the court. In his post-NBA career, doing a little bit of everything still defines him. Advertisement Wade is the father of four children (and the guardian of a fifth), and he advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in solidarity with his daughter Zaya, who is transgender. He is married to actress Gabrielle Union. He's a brand ambassador, a fashionista, a podcaster. He's a cancer survivor, as well. With everything, Wade has a personal mission: Help people enter spaces they might not normally have access to. 'Not everyone is going to be invited into that room, so you can hold the door open to see if others can come in,' Wade told The Athletic. 'If not, make sure that you're doing your job, giving back to the people that you hope will walk through those doors.' Advertisement It's been a challenging 18 months for Wade. On the Jan. 30 episode of his podcast, 'The Why with Dwyane Wade,' he revealed he had a cancerous tumor removed from his right kidney on Dec. 18, 2023. Wade admitted he hadn't been as diligent about getting physicals since his playing days ended, but he eventually saw a doctor after having urinary and stomach issues. What specialists eventually discovered was a three-centimeter mass on his kidney: Stage 1 cancer. 'That moment was probably the weakest point I've ever felt in my life,' Wade said on the podcast. 'The moments I was by myself, I was struggling.' Wade, 43, tries to use his private experiences to lead public conversations that could help others, and he wanted to bring awareness to men's health issues. Advertisement Additionally, his experiences with fatherhood have been an ongoing teachable moment. Wade published a book in 2012 sharing stories about his journey as a parent. More than a decade later, Wade works to be a protector for Zaya. Wade didn't plan on parenting publicly, but celebrity status and social media have made it difficult — though he has been careful with Zaya. In being her biggest supporter, Wade has tried to be an example for other parents in how to handle attacks on transgender rights and vitriol aimed at their families. Wade's basketball career is revered in Miami (the nickname 'Wade County' is a play on Dade County), but his family moved to California after his playing career in part because he didn't believe his family would be 'accepted' amid Florida's anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Wade doesn't allow hate to change his parenting approach. 'I'm such a proud father, and I try to post my kids,' Wade said. 'So, as my child got older and got confident and comfortable with us talking more about her and talking more about her situation, that's when we did.' Through his Dwyane Wade Family Foundation, Wade aims to provide resources to marginalized communities. The foundation also assisted in starting Translatable, a digital platform and online community — operated by both Wade and Zaya — that states it's 'a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth to express themselves and is a resource hub for our parents, families and support systems.' Advertisement 'We want to put our narrative out there, as well,' Wade said. 'We know that other families, other kids, other people will be dealing with this and will go through these things. This is happening in real time.' Since his cancer diagnosis, Wade has continued to live a busy life. His post-NBA biography includes ownership stakes in five sports franchises: the NBA's Utah Jazz, the NHL's Utah Hockey Club, the WNBA's Chicago Sky, the MLS' Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals. Other business partnerships include Versace; his wine brand, Wade Cellars; and PROUDLY, which makes hair and skin products for babies and children of color. Wade is also the founder of the production company 59th & Prairie Entertainment, and he has served as an executive producer on multiple projects, including award-winning Netflix documentaries ''The Redeem Team' and 'The Dads.' Add his new Prime Video duties to his growing list of projects. 'If you see a lot of the investments and things that I've done, it's in the world of entertainment, sports, the different teams I've invested in,' he said. 'That's how I can utilize myself, because that's where my strengths are. Advertisement 'I wanted to jump right into my strengths when I retired — and then obviously learn other things along the way.' Wade's interest in entrepreneurship increased after a shoulder injury briefly sidelined him during the 2006-07 season. His business manager, Lisa Joseph-Metelus, said she considers him a 'unicorn.' Wade has his hands on a lot of projects but tries to be intentional about what he attaches his name to, meticulously analyzing potential ventures. 'His curiosity is what drives a lot of the work that we do,' Joseph-Metelus said. 'He has no ego when it comes to understanding the process of something or learning or being put in a position where he says, 'I want to learn.'' Wade also takes risks, particularly with fashion. Jokes have been cracked about some of his choices. He's attended Fashion Week events in various cities around the world. He's worn capri pants and carried handbags when others wouldn't. Advertisement But he doesn't regret taking chances. 'I looked out in the space, and I didn't see many people in this fashion space that look like me as a Black American former athlete, someone 6-foot-4 who is a little unconventional when you think of fashion,' Wade said. 'No one is doing that, so why can't I?' He continued: 'Sometimes you have to understand that if you're comfortable in it, if you're so confident in what you're doing, (it's) going to take people an amount of time before they catch up. It's OK to be in the beginning phases of doing something. I've seen it in a lot of aspects of my life.' Wade has become a fixture in fashion. He has an apparel deal with Versace. He announced a deal with Swiss watchmaker Hublot more than a decade ago. Advertisement Wade also has made inroads — for himself and others — in the food and beverage industry. He visited Napa Valley during harvest season in 2014 and connected with the Pahlmeyer family, then partnered with them to create Wade Cellars. He then started Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon and Three by Wade Red Blend in 2015, to be sold in China. George Walker III is a Wade Cellars brand ambassador and was the company's first full-time employee. Walker worked in hospitality in Michigan but wanted to learn how to actually make wine. In 2020, he emailed Wade Cellars to ask about internships. While there were no internships, Wade Cellars told Walker there was a position available to run day-to-day operations. Walker pivoted and moved to Napa. He's now been with Wade's company for five years, and his role has grown to include marketing, social media and market share. When Walker started, Wade Cellars was in 10 states. By the end of 2021, it was in 44 states. Advertisement '(Wade has a) passion for creating space for people that aren't always represented,' Walker said. 'What convinced me was hearing his passion for that, but also just for connectivity in general.' Walker isn't the only person in Wade's orbit who credits the NBA Hall of Famer with providing an opportunity. Chef Richard Ingraham once was a hairstylist for Joseph-Metelus, and also taught culinary arts at Miami Northwestern High School. Joseph-Metelus reached out to Ingraham because Wade was looking for a personal chef. That connection allowed Ingraham — a non-sports fan who admittedly didn't know who Wade was at the time — to eventually quit his teaching job and live out a culinary dream. Ingraham credits Wade and Union with helping to start his first company, Chef RLI, a network to connect chefs with celebrities and sports figures. 'One day, (Wade) walked in the door and he was like, 'Hey, Chris Bosh asked if we knew of any chefs; we told him that you had a company and you put chefs in people's homes,'' Ingraham recalled. 'I was like, 'Yo, I don't have that.'' Advertisement But neither Wade nor Union took no for an answer. That unexpected nudge was a springboard for Ingraham's business, and his work with Wade also helped him write two cookbooks. 'Dwyane gave me the latitude to be able to have the time to write these books, to take pictures of food, to prepare the type of food that I've prepared,' Ingraham said. 'Every single dish in the books is something that has been prepared in this house. … I don't take those types of things for granted.' Wade also puts on the When We Gather Food & Wine festivals, which highlight chefs and sommeliers of color throughout the U.S. In September 2022, Wade brought his festival to an Inglewood, Calif., establishment owned by sisters LeAnn and Leslie Jones. 1010 Wine & Events calls itself 'the first and only wine bar in Inglewood.' Advertisement The Jones sisters had received media attention before, but Wade's association took their exposure to another level. 'Every time I get to speak about him in the wine space, I love to do it,' Leslie said. 'I think that he, better than anyone, has used his platform and used his celebrity (status) to push the Black wine community along.' 'He brought on all Black-owned wine brands to be the vendors,' added Leslie, referring to Wade serving as the first director of culture and vibes during the 2023 Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, Calif. 'That's really powerful to me, because it's not just talking … it's putting action to it.' In 2021, Wade was asked to join the executive leadership board for the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, a program that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees related to the wine industry. Wade, noting the lack of diversity in the field, said he wanted to create a program 'where we are able to bring in Black and Brown people so we can learn about the wine industry and understand it.' Advertisement Ben Montpetit, Ph.D., associate professor and department chair at UC Davis, said Wade has been a 'great partner' for the program. The university in 2023 held an Influencers Bootcamp, a two-day event hosting faculty and advisers from schools around the country, HBCUs included, to learn more about the program and potential careers in the industry. Wade served as host. 'He's done a tremendous amount of work to help us reach new communities and students who might not necessarily have been exposed to wine in the past (and) might not be thinking about this as a career in the future,' Montpetit said. The idea of reshaping the culture around him has always appealed to Wade. He made nearly $200 million for his NBA career alone, per Spotrac; that doesn't include outside endorsements and deals with other companies. Creating opportunities is fulfilling, he said. Particularly when it can benefit others. Advertisement 'You know how it is on Thanksgiving when that plate is full? You just keep adding stuff on top of it, or you go back and get another plate,' Wade said. 'I'm just getting started. So hopefully, I'm just in the middle ground and this is halftime as a 43-year-old man.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Utah Hockey Club, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Chicago Sky, Utah Royals FC, NHL, NBA, MLS, WNBA, NWSL, Sports Business, Culture 2025 The Athletic Media Company
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Texas A&M is reportedly pursuing Cal State Fullerton star short stop
Texas A&M is reportedly pursuing Cal State Fullerton star short stop Texas A&M baseball's roster will look significantly different in 2026, primarily due to the departure of junior star outfielder Jace LaViolette, who is expected to enter the 2025 MLB Draft, along with several pitchers, including Ryan Prager and Justin Lamkin, who have yet to announce their decisions. Still, nothing compares to the last month's news regarding Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts' decison to retain head coach Michael Earley, whose inagural season ended with a dissapointing 30-26 (11-19 SEC) record, including a series sweeping loss to lowly Missouri, which all but eliminated the Aggies from the NCAA Tournament. Given a second chance, Earely will need dominate the transfer portal, which, outside of adding three veterans, pitchers Michael (MJ) Bollinger (FAU), Preston Prince (Rutgers), and star outfielder Jake Duer, also an FAU transfer, he will need to continue bolstering the roster to have any chance at competing in the always stacked SEC next season. This week, it was revealed that star Cal Fullerton shortstop Maddox Latta has entered the transfer portal. According to AggieYell (Rivals) Editor Mark Passwaters, Texas A&M is in pursuit, which could lead to a future visit. Currently, junior shortstop Kaeden Kent has yet to announce his return for next season, and although his return is assumed, nothing is guaranteed. Last season, Latta was highly productive, leading Cal Fullerton with a .362 batting average, 72 hits, 27 RBI, and three home runs. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
WATCH: Giannis Antetokounmpo Slips And Falls During A Dunk Attempt In Brazil
WATCH: Giannis Antetokounmpo Slips And Falls During A Dunk Attempt In Brazil originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is known for his athleticism and powerful, highlight-reel dunks. However, the offseason hasn't been as kind to the star. In a recent video, the Bucks star was seen slipping and falling in a failed dunk attempt during his visit to Brazil. Antetokounmpo was in Brazil as part of an event. With several fans in attendance, the Bucks star was inevitably set to show out. Unfortunately, slippery conditions on the court did not play in his favor. Advertisement While the moment itself would have been considered quite embarrassing, the 2021 NBA champion took it in his stride and walked it off with a smile on his face, a positive indication considering the risk of running up an injury. Needless to say, the Milwaukee Bucks would hope to see their star in good health in the offseason. However, given the kind of interest the forward has garnered due to his decision to engage in trade talks, other teams will be equally invested in his health. Antetokounmpo's pending departure from Milwaukee is one of the biggest talking points of the offseason. Since his announcement, revealing his intentions to leave, several teams have come forward to present a bid for him. From powerhouses like the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks in the East to Western Conference teams such as the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs, Antetokounmpo has shaken up the landscape of the NBA. Advertisement His unreal averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game see him rated as among the best players in the league. At 30 years old, it is evident that the Greek forward could single-handedly transform any team he joins into a title contender. While the Bucks were rumored to attempt delaying the inevitable, hoping that their star would stay a season longer, the organization has made its decision to engage in negotiations known. Along with this, they also listed their demands, since trading their star would essentially send them into rebuild mode. As things stand, the Bucks are inclined to favor a deal centered around picks and young players to help them kickstart their rebuilding project. Considering their interest in a high draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs have garnered the most attention as a likely trading spot. The Spurs have some of the most powerful draft capital reserves in the league. With the No. 2 and the No. 14 picks in the 2025 draft, San Antonio could easily deal away one of these, along with some of their young players, to acquire Antetokounmpo. Advertisement Acquiring the Greek forward would effectively transform the team into a powerhouse. After finishing 13th in the West last season, the Spurs could be in for a massive shift in performance, even emerging as title contenders in the process. Related: Shaquille O'Neal Advises Giannis Antetokounmpo Against Joining The Lakers This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
