VCU’s new players include Varina’s Alphonzo Billups
Fred Jeter | 10/13/2022, 6 p.m.
VCU basketball fans can get a sneak peek at this season’s team Oct. 15 when the Black-Gold game tips off 7 p.m. at the Siegel Center.
Admission is free.
Coach Mike Rhoades has six new scholarship players, including 6-foot-7 freshman Alphonzo Billups from State Class 4 champion Varina.
There has been a scarcity of area signings the last 15 years.
Brandon Rozzell (Highland Springs) in 2007, Brad Burgess (Benedictine) in ’08 and his brother, Jordan Burgess (Benedictine) in ’12 are among the few who went to VCU straight out of high school.
Other incoming freshmen on the 2022-2023 roster are 6-foot-8 Tobi Lawal from London and 6-foot-10 Christian Fermin from Pocono, Pa.
VCU’s three transfers are 6-foot-8 Brandon Johns and 6-foot-5 Zeb Jackson from Michigan, and 6-foot-6 David Shriver from Hartford.
Also, 6-foot-7 Jamir Watkins will be returning to active status after being sidelined last season with an injury.
Following the intra-squad game, VCU will play an Oct. 29 exhibition game against Division II Shippensburg University, PA., at the Seigel Center.
The regular season opener is Nov. 7 in Richmond against Manhattan. The Rams went 22-10 last year, advancing to the second round of the NIT before falling to Wake Forest.
