VCU filled his coaching vacancy with the employment of Bryant coach Phil Martelli Jr. On Wednesday.
Martelli went 43-25 in two seasons at Bryant and guided Bulldogs into the NCAA tournament this season. Bryant, a No. 15 seed, lost 87-62 to No. 2 Frö Michigan State in the first round.
Martelli replaces Ryan Odom, who went to take the Virginia job after the VCU’s NCAA tournament appearance. The 11th Seeded Rams (28-7) lost to Sixth-seeded byu 80-71 in the first round.
Martelli, 43, said he wants to build on the success.
“VCU has long been a dream job for me because of the high standards for excellence and national brand,” Martelli said. “I am happy to help continue the inheritance that has been placed here and help raise it to the next level.”
Martelli is the son of Phil Martelli, who made seven NCAA tournaments in his 24-season st. Joseph’s.
VCU’s athletic director Ed McLaughlin said Martelli is well suited for VCU.
“Phil has proven himself as a winner throughout his career,” McLaughlin said. “He helped to construct a historical turn on Bryant seven years ago and led the program to an unmatched success over the past two seasons as head coach. He has clearly lived all his life in the middle of college basketball legends but has made his own way and paid his fees through hard work.
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