Hokie Spotlight: Rodney Brown Jr.

BLACKSBURG – Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 185 pounds, true sophomore Rodney Brown Jr. has made his mark in his inaugural season as a Hokie. A transfer from first-year conference foe Cal, the guard has been a key reserve for Mike Young this season. Through 17 games played, Brown Jr. has shown his three-level scoring ability and length on the wing as notable attributes he brings to Blacksburg. The Perris, California native is just getting started with the Hokies and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.  

After securing a CIF Southern Section Division 2A championship as a senior at Rancho Christian High School in Temecula, Calif., the then-four-star recruit (On3, ESPN) would take his talents to the University of California – Berkeley. With the Golden Bears in his freshman year, Brown Jr. would be one of only four student-athletes to play all 32 games, averaging 3.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game. The guard knocked down 23 of his 58 attempted triples (39.7%) over the season and shot an impressive 40.6% from the floor.  

Brown Jr.’s best game at Cal was arguably played on Jan. 3, 2024, tallying 13 points (3-6 3FG, 4-4 FT) alongside a pair of rebounds and a pair of steals at Southern Cal. Other notable performances include the road game against No. 11 Arizona on Feb. 1, 2024 (12 points, two steals) and at Washington State two weeks later on Feb. 15 (12 points, one assist). 

The then-freshman guard closed out his career as a Golden Bear and entered the transfer portal in March of 2024. Less than a month later, Young and the Hokies came calling, and on April 15, Brown Jr. announced his commitment to Virginia Tech.  

Through 17 games this season, Brown Jr.’s contributions have been felt throughout the team. The sophomore is posting a solid 4.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per contest on 35.7% shooting from the field. Additionally, Brown Jr.’s 40.6% clip from beyond the arc is third highest on the team. 

Brown Jr. has had a series of impressive performances during the season. On Jan. 11, the ex-Golden Bear travelled back to California and notched a season-high five assists and three defensive rebounds en route to a 71-68 road win against his former team. Other impressive performances include a 13-point showing against North Carolina A&T on Dec. 12, 2024, and an 11-point, four-rebound effort against Navy on Dec. 15.  

“Rodney had continued to really work on his game,” said Young after the victory against North Carolina A&T. “Consequently, he’s ready to go when his number is called...that performance from him was quite impressive.” 

The Hokies have had some time off since their win on Feb. 8 at Notre Dame and will square off with Virginia for the second time in two weeks on Feb. 15 at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum. The matchup serves as the second of two regular-season contests for the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash. The first meeting resulted in a nail-biting, 75-74 Tech victory in Charlottesville. Smithfield, the sponsor of the historic matchup, is challenging attending fans to contribute this winter in partnership with The Market at Virginia Tech. Be sure to bring nonperishable food items to Saturday’s game against the Cavaliers to support the Blacksburg community this winter!