SCOUTING REPORT: VCU men’s basketball Black and Gold game

VCU fans will get a first look at the new men’s basketball team at the annual Black and Gold game on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Siegel Center. The players will be split into two teams: Black and Gold.

The CT sports staff chose their notable players making their debut.

Kyler Gilliam, Staff Writer

Barry Evans — The fourth-year forward is back in the Atlantic 10 after a career year with Bryant University in the 2024-25 season. The former Saint Bonaventure University Bonnie was a main contributor to Bryant’s March Madness run under new VCU head coach Phil Martelli Jr. Evans won the 2025 America East Newcomer of the Year award, and was named to the 2025 All-American East Second Team. At 6-foot-8-inches, Evans provides defensive versatility and is a legitimate scoring option anywhere on the court. He scored a career high of 13.3 points per game last season for the Bulldogs, shooting 47% from the field in the process. Evans also averaged 1.3 steals per game last season, using his long frame to disrupt passing lanes for opposing offenses. Evans is one of the most experienced players on this team, having played in nearly 100 collegiate games and starting in 57. As Martelli Jr. gels with his new team, expect Evans to be a player he relies on from the start.

Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer 

Nyk Lewis — Lewis is a four-star prospect known for his playmaking ability and basketball IQ. The first-year guard is a natural on the court who excels in transition. His arsenal of floaters and crafty layups makes him a threat in the open court, while his passing ability allows him to orchestrate the offense. Lewis has earned many accomplishments prior to VCU, such as leading his high school team to the D.C. State Athletic Association championship and earning First Team All-State honors, with an average of 13 points and 4.5 assists per game, according to VCU Athletics. Lewis’ performance and experience on the court make him a key addition to the Rams — he will rock both the black and gold spirit and the court.

Daniel Pointer, Contributing Writer

Jordan Tillery — Tillery is a first-year, three-star recruit from IMG Academy’s post-graduate team and one of VCU’s new offseason additions. Tillery primarily played as a small forward before the collegiate level, but at 6-foot-5-inches the Rams have transitioned him to guard, according to VCU Athletics. In the Adidas Circuit, a youth league for the top high school basketball players in the nation, Tillery averaged 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal per game, according to Sports Illustrated. Despite the learning curve that comes with playing a different position on the court, Tillery’s athleticism and aggressiveness as a player cannot be denied. Without any collegiate stats to his name, the Black and Gold game will serve as Tillery’s “welcome-to-college-hoops” debut moment.

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor

Jordan Dumont — Dumont is a redshirt second-year transfer from Villanova University who is ready to make his mark on the court. As a 6-foot-8-inch forward who dominates on both ends of the floor, Dumont adds size, speed and shooting ability to the team. During his second-year at Villanova, he shot 10-of-22 from behind the arc and 4-of-4 against Marquette University, finishing with a career high of 15 points, according to VCU Athletics. Making buckets is nothing new to Dumont — before his collegiate career, he played at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy where he scored over 1,000 points in just two seasons. He also averaged 23 points and eight rebounds per game during his junior year. Dumont will become a VCU household name that fans grow to love.