VCU’s former star Willie Taylor, 42, dies
Fred Jeter | 1/5/2023, 6 p.m.
Willie Taylor, who thrilled VCU fans with his theatrical dunks and three-point swishes, died Dec. 31. The native of the Nashville, Tenn., area was 42.
After transferring from Georgetown, Mr. Taylor scored 1,367 points in just 87 games for the Rams between 2000 and 2003.
As a senior, the bouncy 6-foot-6 forward averaged 17.3 points and 4.1 rebounds while hitting 41 percent from three-point range and earning All-CAA honors.
Mr. Taylor’s career high of 41 points (including 28 by halftime) was set in 2000 against Evansville. Only Charles “Jabo” Wilkins (45 in 1968) and Chris Cheeks (42 in 1989) have ever scored more in a single game.
Rams’ legend Don “Cisco” Ross scored 55 in a 1967 game when VCU was still called Richmond Professional Institute (RPI).
Mr. Taylor’s 15.7 career scoring average ranks sixth among all-time Rams. Only Wilkins scored more in
a three-year VCU career (1,716 points, 1968- 71.)
He wore No. 4 for the Rams under Coach Mack McCarthy and Coach Jeff Capel.
