VCU men’s basketball picked up a significant piece for its future on Monday as former UConn guard Ahmad Nowell announced his commitment to the Rams. The move marks one of the first major additions for newly hired head coach Phil Martelli Jr., signaling the beginning of his roster overhaul in Richmond.
Nowell, a 6-foot guard from Philadelphia, was a consensus four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 37 overall player in the 2024 class by ESPN coming out of Imhotep Charter. Known for his strength, ball-handling, and toughness, Nowell chose UConn over several high-major programs, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech.
His freshman year in Storrs was limited due to a shoulder injury, which required surgery and cut his season short. He appeared in just 13 games for the national champion Huskies, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 assists in 6.5 minutes per contest. With his limited action and medical hardship, Nowell effectively retains his freshman eligibility heading into the 2025 season.
Nowell’s commitment has generated excitement among VCU fans, many of whom see him as a foundational piece in Martelli’s first roster. On the VCURamNation.com forums, comparisons have already begun, with one user describing Nowell as “a bigger, better version of Phil Russell,” hinting at the type of impact fans hope he can make.
The Rams are expected to be active in the portal this offseason, and Nowell’s decision could help build momentum for more additions in the coming weeks. For Martelli Jr., it’s a strong early win—landing a former Top 40 recruit and high-major transfer just weeks into the job. For VCU, it’s a clear signal that the next era of Rams basketball is taking shape.
Nowell, a 6-foot guard from Philadelphia, was a consensus four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 37 overall player in the 2024 class by ESPN coming out of Imhotep Charter. Known for his strength, ball-handling, and toughness, Nowell chose UConn over several high-major programs, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech.
His freshman year in Storrs was limited due to a shoulder injury, which required surgery and cut his season short. He appeared in just 13 games for the national champion Huskies, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 assists in 6.5 minutes per contest. With his limited action and medical hardship, Nowell effectively retains his freshman eligibility heading into the 2025 season.
Nowell’s commitment has generated excitement among VCU fans, many of whom see him as a foundational piece in Martelli’s first roster. On the VCURamNation.com forums, comparisons have already begun, with one user describing Nowell as “a bigger, better version of Phil Russell,” hinting at the type of impact fans hope he can make.
The Rams are expected to be active in the portal this offseason, and Nowell’s decision could help build momentum for more additions in the coming weeks. For Martelli Jr., it’s a strong early win—landing a former Top 40 recruit and high-major transfer just weeks into the job. For VCU, it’s a clear signal that the next era of Rams basketball is taking shape.
