Editing Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Basketball (section)

=== The Shaka Smart Era: A Turning Point for VCU ===
In 2009, Shaka Smart was hired as the head coach of the VCU Rams, and his impact on the program was immediate and profound. Smart introduced his signature "Havoc" defense, a high-pressure, fast-paced style of play designed to force turnovers and create scoring opportunities. This style of play not only energized the team but also captivated fans and quickly became synonymous with VCU basketball.

Under Smart's leadership, VCU enjoyed several years of success, culminating in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. That year, the Rams pulled off one of the most memorable Cinderella runs in NCAA Tournament history, advancing all the way to the Final Four. VCU’s path to the Final Four included victories over powerhouse programs such as Georgetown, Purdue, and Kansas, which solidified the Rams’ reputation as a team to be reckoned with.

Smart's success helped elevate VCU to a national basketball program, and while he left in 2015 to take the head coaching position at Texas, the legacy of his influence continued to shape the team. His tenure left a lasting impression on the players, coaching staff, and the community.