NEW SEASON, NEW COACH, NEW TEAM
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!
6 thoughts on “NEW SEASON, NEW COACH, NEW TEAM”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I am very excited to see the new team in action this year, can’t wait! Go Hoos!!!!
I hope the Cavaliers do well this year!
The Cavaliers are doing great under Coach Odum! It’s definitely a different team and strategy but it’s exciting (even when we don’t win)! Odum has pulled together an amazing team- strong, with diverse physical strengths and technical skills and there is lots of connection among them. Looking forward to more!!! Waahooooo!
So far this new team has been off to a great start! Their bench seems to be deep with good players and Chance Mallory has not disappointed!! The coach seems to have brought together all this talent and made them work as a well tuned machine! Anxious to see the rest of the season!
This season was much anticipated but has much more than exceeded my expectations with the new coach!!! Ryan Odom has truly showed his vast capabilities in being an head coach and truly deserves accolades for how well he has recruited, bonded the team and has strategy across the floor! Excited to see them in the tournament now !!
This season proved beyond a doubt that Coach Ryan Odom is not only one of the very best college basketball coaches today, he has the ability to position his team as one that will attract the best-of-the-best players in the future. He is living his purpose, helping his players realize their goals and helping the UVA brand.