VCU basketball is experiencing major changes as head coach Ryan Odom has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Virginia. Odom, who led the Rams to an Atlantic 10 championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, departs after just two seasons in Richmond. His move comes following Tony Bennett’s retirement at UVA, a shift that has shaken up the college basketball landscape.
Odom’s time at VCU was marked by success, including a 52-21 overall record and a strong defensive identity that helped the Rams remain a force in the A-10. However, with the ever-evolving challenges of NIL and the transfer portal, his decision to move to UVA represents both a personal opportunity and a new challenge for VCU’s leadership to navigate.
In the wake of Odom’s departure, freshman guard Brandon Jennings has entered the transfer portal. The Richmond native, who is a local that played high school basketball at St. Christopher’s, is reportedly keeping his options open and has not ruled out a return to VCU depending on who the program hires as its next head coach. Jennings was a promising piece for the Rams, and his potential exit raises concerns about roster stability moving forward.
For VCU, the focus now shifts to finding Odom’s replacement, with rumors circulating that New Mexico head coach Richard Pitino is being pursued for the job. Pitino, the son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, has had success rebuilding the New Mexico program and could be a strong fit to continue VCU’s momentum. With the right hire, VCU hopes to retain key players like Jennings and ensure the program stays competitive.
Odom’s time at VCU was marked by success, including a 52-21 overall record and a strong defensive identity that helped the Rams remain a force in the A-10. However, with the ever-evolving challenges of NIL and the transfer portal, his decision to move to UVA represents both a personal opportunity and a new challenge for VCU’s leadership to navigate.
In the wake of Odom’s departure, freshman guard Brandon Jennings has entered the transfer portal. The Richmond native, who is a local that played high school basketball at St. Christopher’s, is reportedly keeping his options open and has not ruled out a return to VCU depending on who the program hires as its next head coach. Jennings was a promising piece for the Rams, and his potential exit raises concerns about roster stability moving forward.
For VCU, the focus now shifts to finding Odom’s replacement, with rumors circulating that New Mexico head coach Richard Pitino is being pursued for the job. Pitino, the son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, has had success rebuilding the New Mexico program and could be a strong fit to continue VCU’s momentum. With the right hire, VCU hopes to retain key players like Jennings and ensure the program stays competitive.
