Rodriguez returns to VCU; Ndongo leaves

Guard Joey Rodriguez is returning to the Virginia Commonwealth University basketball team. Reserve forward Franck Ndongo is not.

VCU coach Shaka Smart said Rodriguez, who in mid-April had announced he was transferring to Division II Rollins College, has been cleared to rejoin the Rams.

Rodriguez, a two-year starter and rising junior, averaged 9.4 points, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals this past season while leading the Colonial Athletic Association in 3-point field goal percentage (.416).

Smart said he mutually determined with Ndongo, a 6-7 rising junior who missed last season with a knee injury, that "it was the best thing for him and the program" to continue his career elsewhere.

Ndongo averaged 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in his two seasons with VCU. -- Tim Pearrell