RICHMOND, Va. – VCU Men's Basketball signed Team Impact athlete Luca Watkins Wednesday, Rams' Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. announced.
 
Watkins was joined at Wednesday's signing ceremony by his mother and grandmother. He visited VCU's Basketball Developmental Center earlier this fall and is looking forward to becoming a fixture at Rams practices and games this fall.
 
"Ever since he visited us the first time, Luca has been a breath of fresh air to our team," said VCU Chief of Staff Brendan Phelps.
 
The 12-year-old Watkins is a Richmond native and currently a varsity player on Sportable's wheelchair basketball team.
 
"I've been around a lot of winners, and Luca is someone who knows how to win," said VCU junior guard Ahmad Nowell, who is also a member of the Rams' five-person Team Impact Leadership Team.
 
ABOUT TEAM IMPACT
Launched in 2011, Team IMPACT is an organization that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.