| Mike Rhoades leaves Division III three wins short
of 200. Randolph-Macon athletics file photo |
Michael Rhoades is taking a short trip, leaving Randolph-Macon to become an assistant coach at Division I Virginia Commonwealth.
"I'm extremely ecstatic about the staff we’ve assembled. It possesses the ideal blend of energy, experience and expertise," head coach Shaka Smart, also a Division III alumnus, said. “We are excited about rolling up our sleeves and going to work for VCU basketball."
Fortunately for Rhoades, his wardrobe does not need to change much for the black and gold of the Rams after serving as the head coach in nearby Ashland, Va., for the past 10 seasons.
"During the whole process, it was a priority that we assembled a staff that held strong ties within the state," Smart said. Smart is a 1999 graduate of Kenyon.
Under the direction of Rhoades, the Yellow Jackets posted 20-plus wins in six of the past seven seasons and finished with a mark of 197-76 (.726).
"I'm extremely pleased to add a coach of Mike’s caliber to our staff," Smart commented. "The opportunity to work with 10 years of head coaching experience really excites me."
During his 10 years at the helm, Randolph-Macon made four NCAA Tournament appearances and captured the 2003 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championship. Rhoades was honored by his peers as ODAC Coach of the Year on three occasions.
His finest campaign came in 2002-2003, when the Yellow Jackets were ranked No. 1 nationally for several weeks, won the ODAC Tournament and advanced to the Division III Sweet 16.
As a player, Rhoades was just as good. He won just about every award and accolade possible during his time at Lebanon Valley, leading his team to league titles, conference championships and the 1994 NCAA Division III national championship. He was a four-time conference all-star, two-time Region Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Player of the 1994 championship, First-Team All-American and a National Player of the Year.