3-star forward Jordan Tillery from IMG Academy commits to VCU: Reports

Ryan Odom's VCU basketball team got a major boost on Thursday when 6-foot-5 small forward Jordan Tillery committed to the Rams. The 3-star forward, who previously played for Dr. Phillips and Oak Ridge High School before transferring to IMG Academy, had been on the radar of seven programs nationwide, including Arizona State, Coastal Carolina and Drake.

After visiting VCU, Tillery the program was the best fit for his future.

"I chose VCU because as soon as they started recruiting me, they always talked about character and becoming a better person, not just basketball." Tillery told 247Sports.

The connection he felt with the VCU team and staff also solidified his decision to commit to the program.

"Fast forward to my visit with them, it was like we all just clicked like family. The coaches, managers and players — everything felt like a place I would love to call home,” Tillery added.

Tillery, ranked No. 22 among Florida basketball recruits and 217th nationally by 247Sports, is the second commitment for VCU's 2025 recruiting class. He will join the 6-foot-8 center Silas Barksdale from Woodside High School in Newport News, VA.

Could Jordan Tillery Be a Standout Addition for VCU Basketball?

Jordan Tillery has the potential to be a solid addition to the VCU roaster. On the Adidas Circuit with Team Loaded, he averaged 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal per game. He is an aggressive player who attacks the rims hard, plays solid in transition and maintains a nice 36% shooting average.

His athleticism will go nicely with the Rams’s signature "havoc" defense, which was lacking in Odom’s first year. Rumors suggest a more intense defensive system this year, and Tillery could thrive in fast-break scenarios and as a half-court stopper.

Additionally, with VCU set to lose five fifth-year players next season, Jordan Tillery could have an immediate opportunity for playing time. He will also share the court with other emerging players like the 6-foot-10 center from Compass Prep High School, Luke Bamgboye. Together, they could form a core that VCU can build around.

Ryan Odom is surely to bring in more talents to the Rams roaster, and Tillery’s commitment could be the start of a strong future lineup for the Rams.