From VCU's athletic department:
Christian Fermin (Pocono Summit, Pa./Pocono Mountain West) and Alphonzo “Fats” Billups (Richmond, Va./Varina) signed National Letters of Intent with VCU Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period, Rams Head Coach Mike Rhoades announced.
"Our VCU Basketball Family is excited to officially recognize Christian and Fats as members of our program,” Rhoades said. “We targeted both of these young men early in the recruiting process as perfect fits for VCU Basketball. They both come from successful high school and AAU programs. They have been well coached and mentored. We love players that fit our way, but still have high ceilings to improve. I feel Christian and Fats are only scratching their potential. They both compete at a high level and love to be in the gym and work. These two young men fit VCU Basketball."
Billups is a 6-foot-7, 180-pound guard who currently stars for Coach Kenneth Randolph at nearby Varina High School. In 2020-21, Billups poured in 18.7 points per game. As sophomore for Varina in 2019-20, he registered 16 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game and led the Blue Devils to the Class 5A state playoffs. He also helped Varina to a state semifinali appearance as a freshman.
In addition to his high school exploits, Billups has been a standout with the Team Loaded program, where he has played for Ty White and Michael Blackwell.
A multifaceted wing, Billups is currently ranked No. 88 in the class of 2022 in ESPN’s Top 100. Billups chose the Rams from a final list of suitors that included West Virginia, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, N.C. State and Pitt.
“Alphonzo ‘Fats’ Billups is the wing we wanted in this class. He has size, length and a keen ability to score, shoot and make plays. He will be an exciting player for us over his four years. Our staff has watched and recruited Fats for a long period of time, and we have seen his abilities grow so much. I think that he will only get better and better and make his hometown and Ram Nation proud that he is a VCU Ram. His versatility and offensive approach are great fits for our program," Rhoades said.
A 6-10, 215-pound forward, Fermin averaged 17.5 points, 12 rebounds and 6.8 blocks per game last season and helped lead Rich Williams’ Pocono Mountain West to an EPC Monroe Division Championship and a District XI Semifinal appearance.
Fermin, a veteran of Terrance “Munch” Williams’ PSA Cardinals on the Nike EYBL circuit, is currently the 16th-ranked center nationally, according to 247 Sports.
He chose VCU over interest from Pitt, Penn State, St. John’s, Temple and others.
"Christian Fermin is a high motor big man with great versatility. He loves to work on his game and lives in the gym. He has a motor and energy when he plays that will be loved by Ram Nation. His physical size and versatility will add to our style of play,” said Rhoades. “I am excited to watch his growth when he gets with [Assistant Coach] Brent Scott and Coach [Daniel] Roose upon his arrival on campus. He will impact our program with his approach and ability."
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