Ethan York, Staff Writer
Confidence in the Rams has not wavered in the slightest despite big roster changes in the offseason, as VCU was selected first in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll by coaches and media.
VCU’s new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. showed faith in his team and spoke on the importance of the connection between the players and himself.
“A big deal in the summer was building that connection, blending these new guys in with the returning guys,” Martelli Jr. said. “We’ve all been in organizations where there’s a lot of good people, and you find that connection quick and that’s what we have right now.”
Though Martelli Jr. is new to Richmond, his resume speaks volumes for itself after two successful seasons at Bryant University.
Martelli Jr. brought fourth-year forward Barry Evans and third-year forward Keyshawn Mitchell with him from Bryant. Both players helped lead the Bulldogs to an America East Conference championship and an NCAA playoff berth last season.
The Rams graduated five players last season including A-10 conference player of the year Max Shulga, who was drafted by the Boston Celtics. VCU welcomed a total of nine newcomers to the roster this season.
Fourth-year forward Christian Fermin has stuck with the Rams his whole college career, and said he is looking forward to the opportunity of building team chemistry this season.
“This is one of the teams I’ve been most excited to play with, and we have a big group of talent,” Fermin said. “This season is about playing with these new guys and just seeing what we can do in the Siegel Center.”
One of the Rams’ biggest offseason wins was second-year guard Brandon Jennings returning for the 2025-2026 season after previously entering the transfer portal.
“I really want to bring this group together and show this winning culture that VCU runs by and just have a great year for everybody and cut down the net,” Jennings said.
The annual Black and Gold game took place later in the week, where fans got the opportunity to see some new and returning stars in action. Second-year guards Terrence Hill Jr. and Jennings shone, and third-year forward Lazar Djokovic showed their prowess on both ends of the court.
VCU is looking to extend its streak of consecutive winning seasons to 26 this year, as it is just one of five programs in the country to post a winning record in the last 25 years.
VCU will play its first exhibition game against Villanova University at Finneran Pavilion at 5 p.m. on Oct. 19.