Joey Rodríguez Drives VCU into the Sweet 16

Despite a strong schedule that featured early season wins over Wake Forest and UCLA, a loss in the CAA title game to Old Dominion, left analysts convinced that VCU would be iced out of the big dance. Some even mocked their hopes of receiving an at-large bid. "When people doubt you like that, you want to come out and prove them wrong. It's helped us. It' been great," said Rodríguez, whose grandparents are Puerto Rican.  (AP2011)

Virginia Commonwealth guard Joey Rodriguez (12) and coach Shaka Smart smile after a third-round NCAA Southwest Regional tournament college basketball game against Purdue in Chicago, Sunday, March 20, 2011. Virginia Commonwealth beat Purdue 94-76. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching) (AP2011)

Virginia Commonwealth guard Joey Rodriguez gestures after a 3-pointer in the second half of a third-round NCAA Southwest Regional tournament college basketball game against Purdue in Chicago, Sunday, March 20, 2011. Virginia Commonwealth won 94-76. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Virginia Commonwealth guard Joey Rodriguez (12) drives against Southern California forward Alex Stepheson in the first half of a first-round NCAA college basketball tournament game Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo) (AP2011)

Virginia Commonwealth's Joey Rodriguez looks to pass during practice for an NCAA Southwest Regional tournament basketball game in Chicago, Thursday, March 17, 2011. VCU will face Georgetown in the second round Friday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)