VCU men’s basketball announced on May 1 several updates to its roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with seven players returning and seven departing from last year’s team. The Rams will welcome six newcomers, including three transfers and three freshmen.
The changes reflect a period of transition as the team looks to build on past successes. Three starters are set to return, while two have left the program. Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. provided commentary on each new addition.
Among the transfers is Blake Harper, who joins VCU as a junior guard/forward from Creighton after averaging 7.7 points per game last season. Martelli said, “Blake is a versatile lefty wing. He has proven to be a high-level scorer while also showing his ability to facilitate.” Torey Alston arrives from Middle Tennessee State after posting averages of 13.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game; Martelli described him as “a dynamic forward with a tremendous motor.” Nyle Ralph-Beyer comes from Sacred Heart, where he averaged over four made three-pointers per game in each of the past two seasons; Martelli said, “Nyle is an elite shooter with a strong desire to develop his all-around game. He has deep range along with a quick, effortless release.”
Freshman additions include Sammy Jackson from Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia—ranked No. 55 by Rivals—who posted impressive senior-year statistics and chose VCU over several major programs; Collin Ross out of SPIRE Academy in Ohio; and Stefan Plisnic from IMG Academy (Florida) and KK Dynamic Belgrade in Serbia. Of Jackson, Martelli said: “Sammy is a tall guard with a strong feel for the game. His game has developed as a scorer while maintaining his incredible passing abilities.” On Ross: “Collin is an athletic, hard playing forward…allowing him to play inside or outside.” Regarding Plisnic: “Stefan is a skilled perimeter big guy…allowing him to take advantage of any type of defender he sees.”
Returning players include Brandon Jennings (Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team), Nyk Lewis (Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year), Ahmad Nowell, Michael Belle, Jordan Tillery, Tyrell Ward, and Lazar Djokovic (First Team All-Atlantic 10). Seven players are leaving due either to graduation or transfer portal moves.
The updated roster positions VCU for another competitive campaign as they integrate new talent alongside experienced returners.
