VCU to Host Little Rock in Season Opener

The Rams open their campaign at home against a new-look Little Rock squad on Nov. 2, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Basketball

VCU to Host Little Rock in Season Opener

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VCU welcomes Little Rock to the Siegel Center for their men's basketball season opener on Nov. 2, 2026. Coaches are currently scouting the visiting team by analyzing film from their exhibition game against Kentucky.

Why it matters

This matchup serves as the debut for head coach Travis Ford, who took over the Little Rock program in March 2026. VCU aims to establish early momentum as they face a roster undergoing significant turnover.

Kenpom analytics predict an 86-68 win for VCU, giving the visiting Little Rock team a 5% chance of victory. Little Rock's roster features 15 total players, with 14 of those athletes being newcomers to the program.

The players

Phil Martelli Jr.

He serves as the head coach for the VCU Rams men's basketball team.

Travis Ford

He is the head coach of Little Rock, having been hired in March 2026 to succeed Darrell Walker.

The details

VCU coaching staff are preparing for the opener by reviewing personnel from the previous schools of Little Rock's numerous transfers. VCU head coach Phil Martelli Jr. intends to utilize a deep rotation of 10 to 11 players during the contest.

Nov. 2, 2026: VCU hosts Little Rock in the season opener.
March 2026: Little Rock hired Travis Ford as head coach.

Season Trajectory

This game allows VCU to test their depth against a program currently ranked 210th in Kenpom's efficiency ratings. A strong opening performance could help the Rams improve their standing before entering more challenging stretches of the season.

Fans in Richmond should monitor the bench rotation, as head coach Phil Martelli Jr. plans to use 10 to 11 players during this opening game. This strategy suggests an emphasis on conditioning and player development early in the schedule.

The takeaway

The game provides a first look at how Little Rock integrates a massive roster of 14 new players under their new head coach. VCU fans should look for how the team manages its rotation early in the season to maintain high efficiency.