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Providence’s Ben Bentil Headlines College Basketball’s Unsung Heroes

By Nathan Giese

Dec 9, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) celebrates against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) celebrates against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard Melvin Johnson (32) celebrates from the bench after the Rams’ score against the Duquesne Dukes during the second half at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 86-69. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard Melvin Johnson (32) celebrates from the bench after the Rams’ score against the Duquesne Dukes during the second half at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 86-69. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

Melvin Johnson, VCU Rams

Did you know that VCU, even with the loss of Shaka Smart as head coach and the departures of Briante Weber and Treveon Graham, is currently leading the top-heavy Atlantic 10?

To the surprise of many (outside of Rams Nation, obviously) VCU has seemingly found its groove under first-year head coach Will Wade. The Rams, currently 16-5 overall and 8-0 in conference, have put together a nice little resume, highlighted by wins over North Florida, Middle Tennessee State, Saint Joseph’s and Davidson.

Much of this can be credited to Melvin Johnson, who has taken on an even bigger role than previously expected.

Averaging career bests in scoring (18.5), rebounding (2.6), assists (2.2), steals (1.7), field goal percentage (42.6 percent on five more shots per game than last season) and three-point shooting (42.7 percent), Johnson has been killing it this year and has been a major key in VCU’s comeback.

Next: NCAA: Is North Carolina The Nation's Best Team?

Though VCU will likely have to earn the automatic bid from the Atlantic 10 tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament, as long as Johnson continues his career-high numbers, that’s a very real possibility.

Johnson’s carried the load for the Rams so far and it’s done wonders for the team’s ability to win games, which is the most important aspect of college basketball.