Phil Martelli Jr., now leading VCU basketball, outlined his goals for the Rams while receiving guidance from his father, longtime coach Phil Martelli. Martelli Jr. arrives after compiling a 43-25 record across two years at Bryant, where he directed the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament. He takes over from Ryan Odom, who left for Virginia following VCU’s NCAA bid. The Rams, seeded 11th, finished 28-7 last season before falling 80-71 to sixth-seeded BYU in the first round.
Phil Martelli Jr. Outlines Rams’ Progress Ahead of New Season
Phil Martelli Jr. has spent the past several months shaping his vision for VCU basketball. In a recent conversation with Andy Katz on “The Sideline,” Martelli detailed his rapid transition after taking over the Rams.
“We hit obviously a crazy offseason with taking the job, and we were able to retain five players, bring in nine new players, two of which came with us from Bryant,” he said. “The first summer moved quickly.”
From my convo with @VCU_Hoops coach Phil Martelli Jr., and his father Phil Martelli for @SidelinewithAK @A10MBB: https://t.co/8h3bY3Ueaw
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) September 2, 2025
“I think it actually might be five months today where I took the job. And when I say it feels like it took five minutes, it really does feel like it was about five minutes ago.”
Martelli said the program completed eight weeks of summer workouts and is now in its second week of classes.
“Last week was kind of informal workouts, and we had two team workouts this week already,” he said. “Very pleased with the group right now, which is a good sign. If you’re not pleased with your group on August 27, then that’s a real issue.”
Martelli, 43, was named VCU’s head coach in March. At the time of his hiring, he spoke about the opportunity to lead the program.
“VCU has long been a dream job for me because of the high standards of excellence and national brand,” he said. “I am excited to help carry on the legacy that has been set here and help elevate it to the next level.”
VCU athletic director Ed McLaughlin expressed confidence in the hire:
“Phil has proven himself as a winner throughout his career,” McLaughlin said. “He helped engineer a historic turnaround at Bryant seven years ago and led the program to unprecedented success the past two seasons as head coach. He has clearly lived his entire life amid college basketball legends but has made his own path and paid his dues through hard work, good character, and a devotion to developing young men into the best versions of themselves through sport.”
As preseason preparations continue, Martelli Jr. is focused on blending returning talent with a large incoming group, determined to maintain the Rams’ high expectations.
