April 8, 2010

SANDERS, RODRIGUEZ EARN VASID ALL-STATE HONORS

RICHMOND, Va. – There’s a stark contrast between juniors Larry Sanders (Fort Pierce, Fla.) and Joey Rodriguez (Oviedo, Fla.).

One would be good at putting items on the top shelf of the pantry, the other would be good at the bottom shelf. One would be good at a game of limbo, the other? Not so much.

On the basketball court however, both of them were the leaders of the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team that ripped off a record of 27-9 and the 2010 College Basketball Invitational Championship. Earlier this week, the duo earned VaSID All-State honors for their outstanding seasons.

“To be recognized as one of the best players in any state is a big accomplishment,” Head Coach Shaka Smart said. “Both Larry and Joey were a huge part of our success this year and achieved some unbelievable feats. I’m happy that both these guys were recognized among some players from some of the best conferences in the country.”

Sanders earned First-Team All-State honors after posting careers highs in points per game (14.4), rebounds per game (9.1) and field-goal percentage (53.4%). He led the Rams in all three of those categories. He also blocked an average of 2.6 points per game and became the 29th player in VCU history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau. He concluded the season with 1,044 points.

Last month, the 6-11 forward was named Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, as well as being recognized as part of the All-CAA First Team.

Rodriguez was the heart and soul of the Black & Gold all year long. His transition into the point guard role was nearly flawless, averaging 12.9 points per game, 5.9 assists per game and 2.7 rebounds per game. His 208 assists on the year rank third all-time behind two of Eric Maynor’s season totals (2006-07 and 2008-09).

Like Sanders, Rodriguez earned all-conference accolades, being named to the All-CAA Second Team. He was also the MVP of the 2010 CBI after averaging over 17 points and six rebounds a game in VCU’s five-game sweep of the postseason tournament.