Dr. E.C. Fulcher, Jr.

So much has transpired since the conclusion of UVA’s 2024/2025 basketball season.

As expected, interim head coach Ron Sanchez was replaced by Ryan Odom who left his head coaching position at VCU. Then, to make matters worse, the Hoos lost all their existing players to the infamous Transfer Portal with the exception of three red-shirted sophomores namely; Carter Lang, Desmond Roberts, and Elijah Gertrude.

With the Portal’s window closing, Odom and his team of assistants had their work cut out for them, and they made the most of it by recruiting nine experienced players from both the Portal and the European leagues. Also in the fold are two highly touted recruits in Chance Mallory and Silas Barksdale. 

Thankfully, the first part of their schedule has twelve non-conference games of which eight will be played in the friendly confines of John Paul Jones Arena. 

Except for the Texas Longhorn game, which is being played in Austin, the Cavaliers could conceivably finish their non-conference schedule 11-1 if they play to their potential.

With all that said, I’m looking forward to their regular season tipoff on Nov 3, against Rider.

A new year, a new coach, and a new team. I’m excited!