VCU Rams Basketball News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Chelsea Banbury, the new VCU womens basketball head coach, brings a wealth of success from High Point University, including four regular season titles, three tournament wins, and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Her teams have thrived recently, earning three regular season crowns and back-to-back tournament champs. Banbury, who had a 27-6 record last season, plans to push current players, emphasizing fast-paced offense, smart spacing, and tough defense. She encourages Richmond community support as she builds a winning culture and a gritty team that embodies VCUs passion. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/843ed8acf270336b

VCU Rams NCAA Tournament Run Sparks Debate: Are They Outgrowing the Atlantic Ten? The VCU Rams secured their first NCAA Tournament victory in a decade, pulling off a stunning comeback against North Carolina, only to fall to Illinois. This unexpected run has reignited the debate: is VCU ready to leave the Atlantic Ten Conference? Despite dominating the A-Ten in recent years, winning the regular season title five times and the tournament title four times, no A-Ten team has advanced past the second round since 2013. VCUs impressive performance against North Carolina has fans and analysts questioning if staying in the A-Ten means more early exits and missed opportunities for true glory. With new head coach Phil Martelli Junior building a strong culture in his first year, VCU is considering a move to the Big East for better recruits, national recognition, and protection against the transfer portal. Their UNC upset demonstrated their ability to compete with top teams. While switching conferences isnt easy, with the spotlight on Richmond and Martelli laying the groundwork for the future, VCU is poised to prove they belong among the nations elite if given the chance. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/78c962e5f443b741

Nyk Lewis, VCUs standout freshman guard, has committed to his sophomore year with the Rams, following a successful debut season. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, earning Atlantic Ten Rookie of the Year honors. Lewiss retention, along with other young guards, is a top offseason priority for fans. Despite an ankle injury, hes eager to improve and contribute to the teams success in the upcoming season. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b66d5c81d0add330

Nyk Lewis, VCUs standout guard, is set for a sophomore season after a breakout freshman year. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, earning Atlantic Ten Rookie of the Year and all-tournament honors. Despite an ankle injury, hes expected to recover well for the upcoming season. Lewis has also secured NIL and contract deals with Momentous Sports Partners, ensuring roster stability. VCU fans can look forward to a strong sophomore season from Lewis and a continued defense of their ground. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f85b6a37f0ef0a37

VCU and Memphis have scheduled a home-and-home basketball series, starting in the 2026-27 season. The Tigers host the Rams on November 7, 2026, and VCU returns the favor in 2027 or 2028. Memphis leads the series 6-3, with their last meeting resulting in an 85-80 overtime win for the Tigers in 2023. VCU had a successful 2025-26 season under Coach Phil Martelli Jr., winning the Atlantic Ten regular season and conference tournament, and defeating North Carolina in the NCAA tournament. The Rams non-conference schedule includes hosting NC State and participating in the 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational. Season tickets for the 2026-27 season are now on sale. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/24f6d351de1e3185

Phil Martelli Jr.s inaugural season as VCUs mens basketball coach was a resounding success, culminating in an NCAA tournament victory and an Atlantic Ten conference title. Despite initial skepticism due to a lack of returning starters and a challenging schedule, Martellis proven track record at Bryant University paid off. His leadership inspired players to achieve career-best performances, and although the season ended against Illinois, it marked VCUs deepest tournament run in years. With a contract extension through the 2031-2032 season, Martelli is poised to continue the Rams tradition of March success. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8e32866aa910693b

North Carolinas N-C-A-A tournament opener against V-C-U drew record-breaking viewership, with twelve point five million viewers tuning in. The game, which saw the Tar Heels squander a nineteen-point lead, marked the largest audience ever for an opening round matchup. The entire days average viewership surged by six percent, reaching nine point eight million viewers, the strongest opening day on record. North Carolinas popularity, with three of the ten most-watched college games featuring them, underscores the enduring appeal of powerhouse programs, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/36ec94400886ef1e

VCU Mens Basketball Coach Phil Martelli Jr. secures contract extension, guiding Rams to historic 2021-22 season. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a23ca0cdd054f0bc

VCU Mens Basketball Coach Phil Martelli Jr. Signs Contract Extension: A Look at His Impact and Future Plans VCU mens basketball head coach Phil Martelli Jr. has signed a contract extension through the 2031-2032 season, following a successful first year with the Rams. Martelli, who joined the team in 2021, led VCU to a 28-8 record, sharing the Atlantic Ten regular season title, winning the conference tournament, and defeating North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. This victory marked VCUs first March Madness win since 2016 and tied for the second most wins in school history. Before VCU, Martelli spent two seasons at Bryant University, where he won an America East title and reached the NCAA Tournament. With a career record of 71-33, every team hes coached has won at least 20 games. VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin praised Martellis leadership and commitment to the programs high standards, including three Atlantic Ten championships in the last four years and 12 NCAA appearances in the past 15. Martelli expressed gratitude for the administration, players, and staffs support in building on the Rams legacy. McLaughlin and Martelli plan to meet this week for a season debrief to discuss offseason changes and ways to strengthen the program. With this extension, VCU basketball is poised for even greater successes in the coming years. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/691c3b695e975c62

VCU's Tournament Run Ends, Illinois Advances

Illinois secures Sweet Sixteen spot with a convincing win over VCU, showcasing depth and size. Andrej Stojakovic leads scoring with 21 points, while Tomislav Ivisic dominates with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the second half. Illinois outrebounds VCU 45-29, setting up a tough matchup against Houston. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9d69a982754d5640

Illinois Zvonimir Ivisics block-to-dunk play sparked a decisive run, turning a drowsy crowd electric and securing a seventy-six to fifty-five win over VCU in the NCAA tournament second round. The victory sends the Illini to the Sweet Sixteen to face number two Houston. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/74d920e9892df41b

VCUs NCAA Tournament run ends with a loss to Illinois, finishing the season at 28-8. Terrence Hill Jr. led with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Illinois advances, VCU ties programs second-most wins ever with 21 Tournament appearances. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/32eef83bb1714acb

Illinois Fighting Illini secured their spot in the Sweet Sixteen with a victory over VCU, led by Andrej Stojakovics 21 points and Tomislav Ivisics 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Illini dominated with their size, holding VCU to 35% shooting and outrebounding them 45-29. Despite VCUs comeback attempt, Illinois pulled ahead and won by 21 points, setting up a matchup against Houston in the South Region. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f8bf4d60bb443e2d

VCUs NCAA tournament run ends with a loss to Illinois, despite a valiant effort led by Terrence Hill Juniors seventeen points and seven rebounds. Illinois Andrej Stojakovic shines with twenty-one points, as the Illini dominate rebounding and free throws, advancing in March Madness. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ee361846f9cab0e1

VCUs Second-Round Hangs in Balance as Nyk Lewis Injures Ankle: A Key Starters Fate Uncertain in Illinois Matchup Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6e99d0899ada8319

VCUs NCAA tournament hopes hang in the balance as freshman guard Nyk Lewis suffers a right ankle injury, potentially sidelining him for their matchup against Illinois. Lewis, a key starter, averages 8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting over 40% from the field and 36% from three. The team awaits updates on his status, as his absence could significantly impact VCUs rotation against the Fighting Illini. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6ff8734a321bd427

VCU Rams, fresh off a stunning comeback, face Illinois Fighting Illini, known for their balanced attack. VCU, with M. Belle and L. Djokovic, boasts strong shooting and resilience, while Illinois, led by D. Mirkovic and K. Wagler, showcases efficient bigs and a formidable inside game. This South Region matchup promises a thrilling clash between the underdog Rams and the favored Illini. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3bd76ba51c9697a9

Illinois Basketball Secures Spot in Sweet Sixteen: Facing VCU, the Fighting Illini aim for another upset, leveraging their early-season form and historical trends. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/74dfd31cdd56166a

Illinois Basketball Faces VCU in Round of 32, Key Players to Watch Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4ba7e2a27c89c258