Read our oral history of the VCU men's basketball team's fateful 2010-2011 Final Four run, and then relive the magic through these photos which capture the intensity of that season.
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VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart writes his pregame talking points on a white board prior to the Rams’ Sweet 16 match-up with Florida State. VCU won 72-71 in overtime.
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Senior Brandon Rozzell fires up the Rams before they head to the court to face top-seeded Kansas with a Final Four trip on the line.
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Swarmed by VCU faithful, a Kansas fan looks on as the Rams take control.
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Photo by Scott K. Brown
Maya Smart rests her head on husband Shaka’s shoulder following VCU’s upset of Kansas in San Antonio. The Smarts had just informed the staff that they were expecting their first child.
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Photo by Scott K. Brown
VCU Strength and Conditioning Coach Daniel Roose plays with son Devin as the Rams prepare to board their charter flight back to Richmond following their upset of Kansas.
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Photo by Scott K. Brown
VCU President Dr. Michael Rao fields numerous texts and calls as the Rams prepare to return to Richmond following their upset of Kansas.
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Then-Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell shares a light moment with VCU’s Bradford Burgess at the airport before the Rams depart for the Final Four in Houston.
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The team charter pilot voices his support for VCU as the Rams board their plane for the Final Four in Houston.
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VCU forward Jamie Skeen visits the cockpit prior to takeoff for the Final Four.
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VCU’s Joey Rodriguez, Ed Nixon, Bradford Burgess, Jamie Skeen and D.J. Haley record the TV commercials for CBS during Final Four media day in Houston.
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Assistant Coach Mike Jones takes a charge from freshman Reco McCarter as part of the “Ironman” drill during VCU’s Final Four open practice. During the drills Coach Jones was injured and required stiches after practice. The team doctor did the work in the arena training room before the team departed to the hotel for the night.
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ESPN commentator Dick Vitale signs a large banner that reads, “Eat Crow, Baby” and bears his likeness in Houston, Texas. The banner, paid for by a VCU fan, mocks Vitale’s criticism of the Rams’ inclusion in the NCAA Tournament field. The banner was later auctioned off and the funds were donated to charity.
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Assistant Coach Mike Jones, Head Coach Shaka Smart and Assistant Coach Will Wade react to VCU’s loss to Butler in a private moment after coming off the court before entering the locker room.
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Forward Toby Veal laments VCU’s loss to Butler in the Final Four in Houston during a private moment in the locker room.
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Photo by Scott K. Brown
Nearly two years after their Final Four match-up, VCU and Butler meet again in Richmond. Early on, Briante Weber strips Roosevelt Jones and slams home this dunk to spark VCU to an 84-52 victory. As Weber slams the ball the Butler coach is yelling at the ref in the background.
