If you have grown up in the Richmond, Virginia area it’s no doubt that you have heard of Virginia Commonwealth University. However if you haven’t grown up around Richmond you probably haven’t ever heard of VCU until their men’s basketball team made the Sweet 16 and Final Four in March Madness 2011. When VCU made it into the Sweet 16, it was the first time in the history of the school. Richmond became obsessed with VCU and with advancing in March Madness. When VCU lost in the Final Four a riot actually broke out in downtown Richmond. VCU has always been a big part of the Richmond community but when VCU was able to make national news with their men’s basketball team the fans started coming out from nowhere.

Now though fans are starting to wonder where VCU is going this season. They did an amazing job making it to the 2011 Final Four and although they lost to Butler University, everyone (not just VCU) fans seemed to expect them to be doing better than they are this season. Last season, VCU became the talk of the town all over America. They amazed people with their talents and ability to make it too far at their first real shot in March Madness. They had people talking about them last year and now they are barely on anyone’s radar.

After speaking with some Virginia Commonwealth University students in downtown Richmond, it’s evident that the students and the fans are still cheering on and pulling for VCU to make it into March Madness this year. However, after talking to students at other colleges outside of Virginia, they recognize VCU when they are mentioned as being a part of the Final Four last season, but if you simply ask them how they feel VCU is doing this season, most of them will respond by asking, “Who?”

It’s known that VCU does have promise for their men’s basketball team, but as to whether or not we will be seeing them in March Madness this season or having people be able to know who they are without having to mention last year’s March Madness is something that is yet to be determined.