VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr. has made big waves in the transfer portal since taking over the helm. After Ryan Odom’s departure, the Rams entered the offseason with many looming questions. With one of the more experienced teams last season, VCU had a lot of work to do in the portal and recruiting.
Martelli quickly came in and set VCU for a successful first season in charge despite top players graduating and key contributors leaving for various other programs.
With the transfer portal nearly wrapping up last week, it’s time to look at how VCU fared in the portal and recruiting.
Transfers
Barry Evans, Bryant
Senior forward Barry Evans stands at 6-foot-8 and was the first name to join Martelli out of the portal, reuniting with his former coach at Bryant.
VCU gains a strong mix of size and scoring with Evans, who is returning to the Atlantic 10 after playing his first two seasons at St. Bonaventure.
Evans played one season at Bryant, averaging 13.3 points per game and 6.8 rebounds a game, winning him America East Newcomer of the Year and featuring heavily in the NCAA Tournament team.
Keyshawn Mitchell, Bryant
Six-foot-11 junior forward Keyshawn Mitchell was the second Bryant player to reunite with Martelli in the portal at VCU. Mitchell started in nearly every game in 2024-25, scoring 8.5 points per game and grabbing 6.8 rebounds a game.
Like his former teammate Evans, Mitchell shoots 52% from the field and 32% from 3.
The lengthy forward also averaged 0.7 blocks per game last season while grabbing almost three offensive rebounds a game, placing him within the top 100 in the nation.
Ahmad Nowell, UConn
Sophomore guard Ahmad Nowell is a former top-40 prospect who UConn featured in small increments on the NCAA Tournament team due to a shoulder injury.
At 6-foot tall, Nowell is a strong, shifty scoring guard who showed flashes in his limited play time last season. In 18 games, Nowell averaged 1.5 points and one assist in 6.5 minutes per game.
Nowell is primed for a largely increased role on the Rams amid key guards such as Joe Bamisile, Phillip Russell, Zeb Jackson and Max Shulga graduating.
Jadrian Tracey, Oregon
Six-foot-5 redshirt senior guard Jadrian Tracey returns to the A-10 for VCU after two seasons at Oregon. Tracey played in his first two seasons at Saint Joseph’s before transferring to the Big 10 to play for the Ducks.
Last season, Tracey averaged 6.9 points with 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in around 21 minutes per game. He brings scoring and experience to VCU under Martelli.
Tyrell Ward, LSU
Junior guard Tyrell Ward joins VCU after sitting out the 2024-25 season due to mental health reasons.
Ward is a 6-foot-6 proficient wing scorer, averaging 9.1 points per game on 44% shooting from the field and 41% from 3 in 2023-24.
Ward’s high shooting numbers will likely make him a key contributor under Martelli at VCU, as Martelli has previously stated he wants “hoopers” and plans on continuing his fast-paced offensive style from Bryant.
Lazar Djokovic, Charleston
Junior forward Lazar Djokovic is a 6-foot-11 premier interior scoring threat joining the Rams.
Djokovic played in 29 games for Charleston scoring 7.9 points per game and grabbing 6.3 rebounds a game in around 24 minutes.
Djokovic is an elite finisher around the rim, shooting 53% from the field while swatting 1.1 blocks a game last season. He is a key addition to the VCU frontcourt amid Luke Bamgboye and Jack Clark leaving the Rams in the offseason.
High School Recruits
Nyk Lewis, Gonzaga High School
Freshman guard Nyk Lewis will start his collegiate career at VCU and enters with high expectations after a successful prep career in Washington D.C.
The 6-foot-1 four-star prospect is the No. 49 prospect nationally and No. 7 at his position, making him one of the highest prospects VCU has ever signed.
Lewis is a fast-paced guard who plays competitive defense and is an underrated playmaker. He fits perfectly into Martelli’s projected playstyle at VCU.
Jordan Tillery, IMG Academy
Freshman guard Jordan Tillery is a 6-foot-5, three-star commit for VCU. Ranked at No. 217 nationally, Tillery played primarily as a small forward in high school.
Tillery is a high-energy wing scorer who thrives in transition and is a constant threat around the rim. On defense, he has the size and athleticism to become a great, versatile defender capable of guarding different positions.
Tillery originally committed to VCU in October 2024 when Odom was coach, and then he reaffirmed his intentions to stay amid the coaching change to Martelli.
