Joey Rodriguez’s No. 12 Jersey Set to Join VCU Legends in the Rafters

Joey Rodriguez.jpg
VCU legend Joey Rodriguez will soon see his No. 12 jersey raised to the rafters of the Stuart C. Siegel Center. The Rams’ beloved point guard, who helped guide VCU to an unforgettable Final Four run in 2011, will have his jersey retired on November 29 during VCU’s matchup against Elizabeth City State, VCU Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin announced Tuesday.

Rodriguez, the floor general behind VCU’s historic rise to national prominence, expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the many people who supported him along the way.

“I am so honored to go in the rafters with some of the all-time greats here at VCU,” Rodriguez said. “I have so many people that helped me through this journey, and I am excited for them to join me on this day. I want to thank my teammates and coaches. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. I also want to thank Dr. Michael Rao and Ed McLaughlin for the recognition and their leadership at a place I love and will always call home. I can’t wait to see everyone at The Stu. Go Rams!”

McLaughlin praised Rodriguez’s impact, particularly during the 2011 NCAA Tournament, noting that Rodriguez’s all-around contributions cemented his legacy in VCU history.

“Joey Rodriguez played a critical role in a seminal moment in VCU's history, the 2011 Final Four run. Beyond his performance during that memorable March, he established himself as one of the best point guards ever to wear a VCU uniform,” McLaughlin said. “Joey's all-around numbers certainly earned him an elite place in VCU Basketball history, and I'm thrilled to welcome him back home so we can raise his jersey into the Siegel Center rafters forever.”

Rodriguez’s contributions to VCU are undeniable. During his four-year career from 2007-11, he started 124 games, amassing 580 assists (3rd in program history), 237 steals (3rd), 211 three-pointers (5th), and 1,362 points (22nd). Notably, Rodriguez set the school’s single-game record with 17 assists against UNC Greensboro on Nov. 12, 2010—a game where he also scored 22 points and committed just two turnovers.

However, it was his leadership in the Rams’ unforgettable 2011 NCAA Tournament run that solidified his legacy. Averaging 9.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across six NCAA Tournament games, Rodriguez was instrumental in taking VCU into uncharted territory. His double-double performance against Purdue and an assist-heavy outing against Florida State highlighted his poise and court vision, crucial in propelling VCU to the Sweet 16 and beyond.

Rodriguez’s No. 12 will become the eighth jersey retired by VCU, joining Eric Maynor (No. 3), Calvin Duncan (No. 5), Bradford Burgess (No. 20), Treveon Graham (No. 21), Gerald Henderson (No. 22), Kendrick Warren (No. 23), and Charles Wilkins (No. 40). Rumors indicate that Rams legend Briante Weber may also be set for a jersey retirement ceremony this season, an addition that would electrify VCU fans and further highlight the legacy of elite guards in the program.

After his playing days, Rodriguez continued to give back to VCU, serving as Director of Player Development in 2017-18. Now entering his seventh season as an assistant coach at Florida International, Rodriguez’s impact and connection to VCU remain as strong as ever.

Mark your calendars for November 29, Rams fans—it's set to be an emotional night at The Stu as we honor Joey Rodriguez and reflect on one of the most cherished eras in VCU basketball history.
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MattRock
Matt has been reporting on VCU sports for Ram Nation since 2007 with a focus on news, photos, and feature stories.

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