Player Profile: Joe Bamisile returns home to play for the Rams

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer

University of Oklahoma transfer Joe Bamisile has been just what the doctor ordered for VCU’s Men’s basketball team.

VCU is the fourth stop for the fourth-year six-foot-four guard out of Monacan High School in Chesterfield. 

“He is one of the hardest working kids that I have ever coached,” said Monacan head coach RJ Spelsberg. “He brought energy to practice and games. He was always smiling and a super teammate and never pouted when taken out of games. He was mature way beyond his age in high school.”

In his first game at Monacan, Bamisile scored a school-record of 53 points. During his high school tenure, Bamisile was first-team all-region, and first-team all-state and led the state in scoring at about 29 points per game according to Spelsberg. 

“Joe could shoot the three and finish at the rim in high school,” said Spelsberg. “He was strong and explosive. He put in extra work behind the scenes that most high school kids do not. That’s what separated him from the rest.”

After brief stints with Virginia Tech, George Washington University, and the University of Oklahoma, Bamisile said he wanted to switch it up again and return home.

Although Bamisile grew up just 25 miles outside VCU’s campus, the fourth-year said he did not foresee the Rams as a destination in his younger years.

“Growing up, I never thought I would go to VCU,” said Bamisile. “Now it is cool to be back home and appreciate VCU in a way that I did not before. I’m really happy I got the opportunity to be from here and play here.”

Unfortunately, due to NCAA regulations and restrictions, Bamisile could not participate in the season’s first 10 games. 

Before Bamisile was able to compete, the VCU men’s basketball team started 5-5. Since Bamisile has been activated for the season, the team has been 8-2.

VCU head coach Ryan Odom has seen the team’s improvement and recognizes Joe’s contributions to the team.

“Joe fits exactly what we wanted not only as a basketball player but also as a person and a student,” said VCU head coach Ryan Odom. “He is an amazing worker. He is committed to doing his best way before the games. His preparation every day, his ability to stay ready in an uncertain situation was remarkable.”

VCU has won their last 5 consecutive games with the fourth-year contributing heavily on the court. In the last three games alone, the veteran has averaged about 21 points per game.

With VCU more than halfway through their season, the Rams will need Bamisile’s contributions as they enter A-10 play, go on to the conference tournament and potentially beyond. Luckily, the Richmond area native said he feels he can play his style of basketball at VCU.

“I am in a position where coach Odom empowers me to be myself and be an aggressive scorer. My teammates look for me whenever I am open,” said Bamisile. “Overall from top to bottom, I feel empowered to play how I play.”