Why Brandon Jennings defines VCU basketball
Two weeks ago at VCU’s Basketball Development Center, sophomore guard Brandon Jennings was making plays in September practice you’d see win games in March.
At one point, Jennings skied for a back-tap and ended up on the ground of the baseline. He kept the ball alive, and because of the hustle play, his team won the segment. That’s exactly the type of effort Phil Martelli Jr. wants as he takes over the program.
“I don’t know if there’s anybody that represents VCU better than Brandon Jennings, you know?” Martelli Jr., who was hired in March, said. “Richmond kid. Homegrown. His intensity. All I’ve ever seen from him is care about winning.”
Jennings isn’t just from Richmond — VCU is in his blood. His mother, Demetria, earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees there and is even involved with the team, hosting summer hangouts and pool parties with catered and home cooked meals.
“My mom has definitely instilled that VCU culture and background into me,” Jennings said.
But did his mother influence him to return amid a coaching change, and after a freshman season averaging 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in limited time?
“She didn’t influence none of that for real,” Jennings said. “Really it was the style of play and the fit [Martelli Jr.] thought I brought to the team. The opportunity I had in front of me with the guys. The opportunity we had as a team this year to run it back and make some noise in that tournament.”
Martelli Jr. credits Jennings, as well as senior forward Christian Fermin, junior forward Obinnaya Okafor, junior wing Michael Belle, and sophomore guard Terrence Hill Jr. for staying and helping establish a new culture, while still sustaining VCU’s winning tradition. The Rams made the NCAA Tournament last season and three of the past five.
“It started with them,” Martelli Jr. said. “And wherever this takes us, whatever success looks like for this group and this program in my tenure, it will start with the work these guys did. I mean, there were days we had three guys on the court for a workout in the spring before everybody was there. Maybe it was me and one other coach at the time. But the work these guys put in really laid that foundation.”
Jennings is part of a loaded VCU backcourt, a key reason the Rams were picked first in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll. Oregon transfer Jadrian Tracey and LSU transfer Tyrell Ward are First Team All-Conference. UConn transfer Ahmad Nowell is Second Team. Then you have highly-touted, top-55 ranked freshman Nyk Lewis.
It’s a crowded group, but Jennings, a Third Team selection, is primed to have his moments. And his leadership will be key. He’s never upset about not getting the shot. He works as hard as anybody. And hey, he’s even diving on the floor during September practice.
“Why wouldn’t you want that represented?” Martelli Jr. said. “Someone that’s homegrown, that’s lived VCU. That’s a big deal, and he’s been a connector since he got to campus.”
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