A Rhoades recruit in the Martelli Era, VCU's Christian Fermin 'bleeds black and gold'

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VCU basketball players run drills during last week of summer practice

In the transient landscape that is the college basketball world in the age of the transfer portal, how many players around the country have stayed with the same program through multiple coaching changes?

It's got to be a short list. Thus, VCU senior forward Christian Fermin, a Mike Rhoades recruit who now stands as a pillar of program culture and identity at the outset of the Phil Martelli Jr. Era, is an anomaly.

And a beloved one at that. Through constant coaching and roster turnover over the last few years, there is perhaps no persona more synonymous with VCU hoops than that of the player affectionately known as "Ferm," with his wide, endearing smile and jovial nature.

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"I'm at a place that I love with people that I love again," Fermin said on Tuesday during the final week of Rams summer practice.

"It just worked out perfectly. There was no reason for me to leave."

'Win with us or watch us win': VCU's Martelli Era takes shape at Rams summer practice

His familiarity and comfort with the Rams program aside, Fermin decided to stay largely because the man who was instrumental in bringing him to VCU in the first place, Jimmy Martelli, returned as the associate head coach alongside his brother.

Jimmy Martelli was Rhoades' director of basketball operations from 2017 to 2023 before following Rhoades to Penn State for the last two seasons. The connection between Jimmy and Ferm goes back to the latter's high school days at Pocono Mountain West in Pennsylvania -- Fermin's high school guidance counselor is friends with Martelli.

"Jimmy coming back, that's a big family, father-type figure in my life," Fermin said. "Since high school he's been there, somebody that's very close to the people that I care about the most. He's a dog, he wants dudes that work, and I appreciate that."

From Serbia to Richmond, VCU's Djokovic impressed Martelli to forge Rams connection

Fermin still has close connections with his basketball family at Pocono Mountain West. That's another factor that's kept him in the black and gold through the years. Any time VCU plays in Pennsylvania, Fermin has supporters there. Once he forges connections in a program, he's not one to break those ties.

"No matter where I'm at, if I go somewhere, I'm probably going to end up loving that place and the people there," Fermin said with his wide grin.

Phil Martelli has brought in seven transfers and two incoming freshmen to join five returners (Fermin, Brandon Jennings, Terrence Hill, Michael Belle and Obi Okafor) on his roster. Belle, Jennings and Hill were all Ryan Odom recruits. Okafor was a walk-on freshman in Rhoades' final year at the helm, and didn't make his collegiate debut until last season.

Fermin, who's appeared in 86 games with 49 starts in the black and gold, is the through line for a generation of VCU basketball.

"It's huge," Phil Martelli said of Fermin's cultural influence on the program.

"It shows his love for the university. It shows his love for the community. It shows the community's love for him. It's really a special thing. Because it's so easy to leave now. But he's definitely somebody that bleeds black and gold, and will always bleed black and gold."

Oregon transfer Jadrian Tracey brings veteran presence to Martelli's Rams

For Fermin's VCU career, he's averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game. His greatest contribution has been as a rim protector -- Fermin's 105 career blocks are just outside the top 10 in Rams history. If he blocks the same amount of shots (47) in his senior year as he did his junior season, he'd finish sixth all-time behind Larry Sanders (187).

Phil Martelli is happy with the progress Fermin has made this summer. He knows there's another gear to Ferm's game, one he hopes the senior big can find in his VCU swan song.

Fermin described the new staff as "player friendly." This summer, there's been more time spent on player development than in the past couple years, he said. There's still been plenty studying of Xs and Os. But conditioning and individual development have been emphasized more.

"These coaches care about developing everybody on the team," Fermin said, adding that he's been focused on finishing in the paint -- on floaters, over his shoulder and with his back to the basket.

Richmond roots helped draw USA basketball prospect, 'hometown kid' Nyk Lewis to VCU

On Monday and Tuesday at summer practice, Fermin could often be seen working on one of the side hoops with Rams assistant Ryan Daly.

"It's really been simplified, I've taken my game as close to the hoop as I can so I can be a master at that," Fermin said. "That's also something I appreciate with this coaching staff. They've simplified my work to the realistic things I'm going to be doing in a game."

Fermin (6-foot-10, 235 pounds) has often been matched up with fellow bigs Lazar Djokovic (6-11, 235; Xavier, Charleston) and Keyshawn Mitchell (6-11, 215; Bryant) in practice. He's been impressed by Djokovic's mobility and fluidity, and by Mitchell's ability to stretch the floor with standout handles on the perimeter.

That group will compete for minutes at the five spot in a frontcourt rotation that appears nebulous. Each offers a distinct skill set for Martelli and Co. to deploy in different configurations. Their college careers to date suggest that Fermin is the best defensive presence, Mitchell the best rebounder and ball handler, Djokovic the best shooter and pure scorer of the group.

Fermin is majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on sociology and psychology, and is on track to graduate in May of 2026. His favorite aspects of his Richmond experience have been the city's culinary scene, and the gameday atmosphere of the Siegel Center.

Once the season starts, the emotion of his final year in the black and gold will hit Fermin, who feels like his freshman year was just yesterday.

"It's gone by so fast. This feels like such a short amount of time, I couldn't have got that much older," he said with a smile and laugh.

"But I definitely did. That senior night is going to be great. I can't wait for that. It's going to be a big landmark for me and my people."

Close

VCU guard and former Monacan High School star Joe Bamisile is fouled by BYU forward Richie Saunders during the first round of the NCAA tournament in Denver on Thursday. The Cougars used a 12-2 run just before halftime to take control against the A-10 champion Rams in an 80-71 victory. VCU was looking for its first NCAA tournament victory since 2016. (Details, Page B1.)

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Michael Belle (8) is boxed out by BYU center Fousseyni Traore (45) and forward Richie Saunders (15) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Brandon Jennings (0) shoots the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

A VCU cheerleader performs during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

The VCU pep band, The Peppas, plays music during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU fans cheer for their team during their first-round NCAA tournament game in Denver. The cheering slowed in the second half, during which the Rams trailed most of by double digits.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Michael Belle (8) listens in a huddle during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) dunks the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) dunks the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Max Shulga (11) shoots the ball over BYU forward Mawot Mag (0) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU head coach Ryan Odom and guard Joe Bamisile shake hands in Denver on Thursday during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU forward Mawot Mag (0) celebrates during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU's Dallin Hall loses his footing during the Cougars' win over VCU in a first-round NCAA tournament game in Denver. After a nip-and-tuck start, BYU assumed control with a 12-2 run at the end of the first half. The Cougars hit half of their shots (27 for 54) and outrebounded the Rams 40-31.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU fans cheer during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

A VCU dance team member runs on the court during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU fans cheer during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Max Shulga (11) shoots the ball over BYU forward Mawot Mag (0) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) defends the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Joe Bamisile (22) drives defended by BYU forward Kanon Catchings (6) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Joe Bamisile (22) is fouled by BYU forward Richie Saunders (15) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Brandon Jennings (0) drives with the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU head coach Kevin Young yells during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) shoots the ball past BYU center Fousseyni Traore (45) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU guard Dawson Baker (25) celebrates during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU head coach Ryan Odom yells to his team during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Max Shulga (11) defends as BYU guard Egor Demin (3) brings the ball up the court during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH Photos: VCU faces BYU in NCAA Tournament

The Cougars prevailed 80-71

VCU guard and former Monacan High School star Joe Bamisile is fouled by BYU forward Richie Saunders during the first round of the NCAA tournament in Denver on Thursday. The Cougars used a 12-2 run just before halftime to take control against the A-10 champion Rams in an 80-71 victory. VCU was looking for its first NCAA tournament victory since 2016. (Details, Page B1.)

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Michael Belle (8) is boxed out by BYU center Fousseyni Traore (45) and forward Richie Saunders (15) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Brandon Jennings (0) shoots the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

A VCU cheerleader performs during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

The VCU pep band, The Peppas, plays music during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU fans cheer for their team during their first-round NCAA tournament game in Denver. The cheering slowed in the second half, during which the Rams trailed most of by double digits.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Michael Belle (8) listens in a huddle during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) dunks the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) dunks the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Max Shulga (11) shoots the ball over BYU forward Mawot Mag (0) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU head coach Ryan Odom and guard Joe Bamisile shake hands in Denver on Thursday during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU forward Mawot Mag (0) celebrates during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU's Dallin Hall loses his footing during the Cougars' win over VCU in a first-round NCAA tournament game in Denver. After a nip-and-tuck start, BYU assumed control with a 12-2 run at the end of the first half. The Cougars hit half of their shots (27 for 54) and outrebounded the Rams 40-31.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU fans cheer during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

A VCU dance team member runs on the court during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU fans cheer during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Max Shulga (11) shoots the ball over BYU forward Mawot Mag (0) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) defends the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Joe Bamisile (22) drives defended by BYU forward Kanon Catchings (6) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Joe Bamisile (22) is fouled by BYU forward Richie Saunders (15) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Brandon Jennings (0) drives with the ball during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU head coach Kevin Young yells during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Zeb Jackson (2) shoots the ball past BYU center Fousseyni Traore (45) during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

BYU guard Dawson Baker (25) celebrates during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU head coach Ryan Odom yells to his team during the first round of the NCAA Tournament against BYU in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

VCU guard Max Shulga (11) defends as BYU guard Egor Demin (3) brings the ball up the court during the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Co., March 20, 2025.

MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH

Zach Joachim (804) 649-6555

zjoachim@timesdispatch.com

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Zach Joachim

Deputy Sports Editor, VCU Reporter

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