- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
VCU Basketball Announces Roster Changes
Returning stars, departing players, and upcoming schedule updates for the Rams
Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:44am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Virginia Commonwealth University's men's basketball program has announced several key roster moves ahead of the upcoming season. Star players Jamal Belle and Novak Djokovic will be returning to the team, while guards Jalen Fermin and Zion Okafor have entered the transfer portal. The Rams are also set to host a preseason rally for fans on Wednesday and have finalized a home-and-home series with the University of Memphis Tigers.
Why it matters
VCU is a perennial contender in the Atlantic 10 Conference, and the return of Belle and Djokovic should keep them in the mix for a conference title and NCAA Tournament berth. However, the loss of Fermin and Okafor creates some holes in the backcourt that the coaching staff will need to address through recruiting or the transfer portal.
The details
Belle, a senior forward, and Djokovic, a junior guard, were both key contributors for the Rams last season. Fermin and Okafor, both underclassmen, have decided to enter the transfer portal and seek opportunities elsewhere. The Rams' preseason rally is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, and the home-and-home series with Memphis will see the Tigers visit Richmond in 2026 and the Rams travel to Memphis in 2027.
- The VCU basketball roster moves were announced on April 1, 2026.
- The Rams' preseason rally is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
- The home-and-home series with Memphis will begin in the 2026-27 season.
The players
Jamal Belle
A senior forward who was a key contributor for the VCU Rams last season.
Novak Djokovic
A junior guard who will be returning to the VCU Rams for the upcoming season.
Jalen Fermin
An underclassman guard who has decided to enter the transfer portal and leave VCU.
Zion Okafor
An underclassman guard who has also decided to enter the transfer portal and leave VCU.
University of Memphis Tigers
VCU's upcoming home-and-home series opponent, with the first game scheduled to be played in Richmond in 2026.
What they’re saying
“We're excited to have Jamal and Novak back leading our team next season. Their experience and talent will be crucial as we look to compete for another A-10 title.”
— Mike Rhoades, VCU Head Basketball Coach
“This was a difficult decision, but I feel it's the best move for my future. I'm grateful for my time at VCU and wish the team the best of luck.”
— Jalen Fermin
What’s next
The Rams will host their preseason rally for fans on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, to build excitement ahead of the upcoming season. The home-and-home series with Memphis will then tip off in the 2026-27 season, with the first game scheduled to be played in Richmond.
The takeaway
VCU's roster will have a mix of experienced returners and new faces next season, as the program looks to build on its recent success and compete for another Atlantic 10 championship. The departure of Fermin and Okafor creates some uncertainty in the backcourt, but the Rams have proven their ability to reload through recruiting and the transfer portal.
