JUST IN: He Departs The Virginia Basketball And Commits To Gonzaga…

**Jalen Warley Departs Virginia Basketball Program, Commits to Gonzaga**

 

In a significant development for the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team, senior guard Jalen Warley has announced his decision to leave the program and transfer to Gonzaga University. This move comes shortly after the unexpected retirement of long-time Virginia head coach Tony Bennett

, which has led to a period of transition within the team.([knbr.com][1], [knbr.com][2])

Warley, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound guard from Philadelphia, joined Virginia earlier this year after spending three seasons at Florida State University. During his junior year with the Seminoles, he averaged 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game across 33 appearances, including 32 starts . Known for his defensive prowess and versatility, Warley was anticipated to play a significant role in Virginia’s backcourt for the 2024-25 season.([knbr.com][2], [SI][3])

However, the sudden departure of Coach Bennett opened a 30-day window for Virginia players to enter the transfer portal, an opportunity Warley utilized. Interim head coach Ron Sanchez acknowledged Warley’s decision, stating that the program respects his choice and wishes him the best in his future endeavors .([CBSSports.com][4], [virginiasports.com][5])

Warley’s transfer to Gonzaga was confirmed on November 25, 2024. He plans to redshirt the current season and will join the Bulldogs for the 2025-26 campaign. Warley cited Gonzaga’s consistent success and the program’s commitment to player development as key factors in his decision. He also has a prior connection with Gonzaga assistant coach R-Jay Barsh, who was part of the coaching staff at Florida State during Warley’s sophomore year .([Reuters][6], [SI][3])

 

The departure of Warley presents challenges for the Cavaliers, particularly in the point guard position. With Warley expected to be a leading figure in the backcourt, Virginia will now look to players like Dai Dai Ames and Christian Bliss to step up. Ames, a transfer from Kansas State, brings experience and potential to the role, while Bliss will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upcoming season .([College Net Worth][7], [SI][8])

 

As the Cavaliers adjust to these changes, the focus will be on developing the remaining roster and maintaining the team’s competitive edge. Meanwhile, Warley prepares for his next chapter with Gonzaga, aiming to contribute significantly to the Bulldogs’ continued success in the 2025-26 season.

 

[1]: https://www.knbr.com/news/gonzaga-lands-virginia-transfer-g-jalen-warley/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Gonzaga lands Virginia transfer G Jalen Warley – KNBR”

[2]: https://www.knbr.com/news/virginia-g-jalen-warley-enters-transfer-portal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Virginia G Jalen Warley enters transfer portal – KNBR”

[3]: https://www.si.com/college/gonzaga/basketball/gonzaga-lands-virginia-transfer-jalen-warley-01jdj8ngw2cj?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Gonzaga lands Virginia transfer Jalen Warley”

[4]: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/jalen-warley-is-first-virginia-basketball-player-to-hit-transfer-portal-after-tony-bennetts-abrupt-retirement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Jalen Warley is first Virginia basketball player to hit transfer portal after Tony Bennett’s abrupt retirement – CBSSports.com”

[5]: https://virginiasports.com/news/2024/10/29/jalen-warley-to-leave-virginia-basketball-program/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Virginia Men’s Basketball | Jalen Warley to Leave Virginia Basketball Program”

[6]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/gonzaga-lands-virginia-transfer-g-jalen-warley-2024-11-25/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Gonzaga lands Virginia transfer G Jalen Warley”

[7]: https://www.collegenetworth.com/uva-basketball-shakeup-guard-jalen-warley-enters-transfer-portal-days-before-season-opener/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “UVA Basketball Shakeup: Guard Jalen Warley Enters Transfer Portal Before Season Opener – CollegeNetWorth.com”

[8]: https://www.si.com/college/virginia/uva-basketball-how-jalen-warley-departure-affects-virginia-pg-situation?utm_source=chatgpt.com “UVA Basketball: How Jalen Warley’s Departure Affects Vir

ginia’s PG Situation”