Change has become part of the game for Rams’ Gwynn

In five seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University, T.J. Gwynn has played under three head basketball coaches.

The redshirt senior will have a reunion tonight with his first coach when Jeff Capel brings 17th-ranked Oklahoma to tangle with the Rams at the Siegel Center.

"It's really going to be weird seeing him at the Siegel Center not on the sideline he used to be on," Gwynn said.

Gwynn is the only current Ram who was on VCU's roster during Capel's last season in 2005-06. He still hasn't really played for or against Capel.

Gwynn was redshirted his first season, and he missed last season's game in Oklahoma City with a toe injury.

The 6-4 forward signed with VCU mainly because of the relationship he forged with Capel and then-VCU assistant Mark Cline during Gwynn's senior season at Cummings High in Burlington, N.C.

Cline is one of Capel's assistants at Oklahoma.

In mostly a reserve role, Gwynn played three seasons under Anthony Grant, who departed for Alabama after the 2008-09 season. He's averaged 7 points and 3.5 rebounds as a starter this year under Shaka Smart.

The Rams have gone 96-36 during Gwynn's career and been to two NCAA tournaments and one NIT.

Gwynn said it was hard when Capel left VCU, but he came to realize "it's just part of the business."

"I've had a lot of changes my whole career," said Gwynn, who noted with a chuckle that he has been through four strength and conditioning coaches.

"After Coach Capel left, I realized what it was all about. When Coach Grant left, it was easier for me. I had to let the younger guys know everything was going to be all right. That's how college basketball is. People have to do what's best for them. You put yourself in their shoes, you'd do the same thing."

Contact Tim Pearrell at (804) 649-6965 or .