BREAKING NEWS: VCU’s New Coach Phil Martelli Jr. Eager to “Make Memories” in NCAA Tournament
March 27, 2025 — Richmond, VA
In a highly anticipated statement that has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike, new Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Men’s Basketball Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. shared his enthusiasm for his upcoming tenure with the Rams and his aspirations to make a lasting impact in the NCAA Tournament. Martelli Jr., who took over the reins of the VCU program this offseason, expressed his love for the game and his desire to help the team create unforgettable moments in the tournament’s high-stakes environment.
“I try to get to every NCAA game I can, I love it,” Martelli Jr. said during his first official press conference as head coach. “There’s something truly magical about March Madness—the atmosphere, the energy, the unpredictability. It’s the culmination of everything a team works for all season, and I want to be part of that. I want to help our guys make memories that will last a lifetime, not just for them but for the fans and the entire VCU community.”
Martelli Jr., the son of longtime basketball coach Phil Martelli Sr., who previously served as the head coach at Saint Joseph’s University, brings a wealth of experience to the VCU program. After spending years as an assistant coach and a key figure in recruiting at high-level programs, Martelli Jr. is ready to forge his own path with the Rams. His enthusiasm for the NCAA Tournament, combined with his passion for the game, has already energized VCU’s fan base, which has long been known for its deep love of basketball.
A Commitment to Building a Winning Culture
Martelli Jr.’s statement was not only a reflection of his excitement for the future but also an indicator of the mentality he plans to instill in his players. While the NCAA Tournament is a natural goal for any program, Martelli Jr. stressed the importance of creating a culture of hard work, selflessness, and commitment that will extend beyond just one or two successful seasons.
“We’re going to take it one step at a time,” he continued. “The NCAA Tournament is the ultimate goal, but the journey to get there is just as important. We’re going to build a culture where every player knows that their individual success is tied to the success of the team. We’ll play with passion, with intensity, and with the pride of wearing a VCU jersey. It’s about building something sustainable that will allow us to consistently compete at the highest level.”
Martelli Jr.’s focus on team-first principles mirrors the philosophy that made his father’s teams so successful. Over his long career, Phil Martelli Sr. became known for his ability to build teams that played unselfishly and competed with grit and toughness. Now, Martelli Jr. looks to bring those same qualities to VCU, a program that has had its share of success in recent years, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the Final Four in 2011.
VCU’s High Expectations for Martelli Jr.
While Martelli Jr. is new to the head coach role at VCU, the expectations for the Rams are high, especially considering the team’s recent success under former coach Mike Rhoades. Rhoades led VCU to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and built a program known for its intense “Havoc” defense. Martelli Jr. understands the legacy he is stepping into and has promised to keep the competitive fire alive, while also adding his own personal touch to the team’s style of play.
“I have a great respect for what Coach Rhoades built here,” Martelli Jr. said. “The ‘Havoc’ defense is something that defines VCU basketball, and we’re going to continue to play tough, aggressive defense. But we’re also going to be a team that can score in a variety of ways, push the pace, and make plays in the clutch. I want to make sure that when people talk about VCU basketball, they think of a team that plays with passion, that fights for every possession, and that’s always in the mix for March Madness.”
The VCU fanbase, known for its loyal and passionate support, has already started to rally behind Martelli Jr.’s vision. The Rams’ home games at the Siegel Center are expected to be electric, with fans eager to see how Martelli Jr. will put his stamp on the program. His emphasis on creating memorable moments aligns with the hopes of many who have followed the Rams through thick and thin and have witnessed the team’s growth over the past two decades.
The Road Ahead: Making Memories in March
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, Coach Martelli Jr. knows that success in the NCAA Tournament will not come easily. The competition in the Atlantic 10 Conference and beyond is fierce, but with his focus on developing a strong, well-rounded team, Martelli Jr. believes VCU is primed for success.
“We’re going to put in the work, build from the ground up, and make sure that when we get to the NCAA Tournament, we’re a team that no one wants to face,” he said with determination. “I want our players to look back on their time at VCU and say, ‘We gave everything we had, and we made memories that will last forever.’ That’s the kind of legacy we want to build.”
For VCU fans, the future looks bright under Coach Phil Martelli Jr. With his passion, dedication, and love for the game, the Rams are ready to make their mark on March Madness and create a new chapter in the program’s storied history. The journey has only just begun, but one thing is certain: Coach Martelli Jr. is determined to make the most of every moment.
