Rams lose their ‘Ace’ in the hole
The arrival of several new VCU players is imminent
Fred Jeter | 4/13/2023, 6 p.m.
The Ace Baldwin era is over at VCU. The Rams’ star point guard is heading to Penn State to join former VCU Coach Mike Rhoades.
Others could follow.
Baldwin was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of Year while helping the Rams win the A10 regular season and tournament titles and qualify for the NCAAs.
Coach Rhoades left VCU after six seasons and has been replaced by former Utah State Coach Ryan Odom.
At Big 10 Conference Penn State, Coach Rhoades follows Micah Shrewsberry, who left to take the Notre Dame post.
VCU’s roster is in flux.
In addition to Bald-win, Jalen DeLoach, Jayden Nunn, Nick Kern and Jamir Watkins put their names in the NCAA transfer portal following the coaching change. Seniors Brandon Johns and David Shriver have completed their eligibility.
Before the change, Josh Banks and Jarren McAllister had filed for the portal.
All still have the opportunity to return.
Three of Coach Rhoades’VCU assistants, Jamal Brunt, Jimmy Martelli and Brent Scott, have followed him to Penn State.
With Baldwin gone, the likely VCU point guard will be Zeb Jackson, a transfer from Michigan who averaged 5.2 points this past season filling in for Baldwin and Nunn in the backcourt.
Until further notice, VCU freshman Alphonzo Billups (VarinaHigh), ChristianFermin and Toibu Lawal are scheduled to return.
Stay tuned for the arrival of several new players at VCU through the portal and via Coach Odom’s contacts at Utah State.
