Report: Virginia Cavaliers’ Guard Dai Dai Ames Made An Unexpected Announcement…
During his sole season with the Cavaliers, Ames played in 31 games, starting 16, and averaged 5.2 points per game. His performance provided
Virginia Cavaliers’ Guard Dai Dai Ames Enters Transfer Portal After One Season
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The University of Virginia men’s basketball program faces another significant roster change as sophomore guard Dai Dai Ames, who donned jersey number 7 during the 2024–25 season, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. Ames’ departure marks a notable shift for the Cavaliers, who are navigating a period of transition following the retirement of long-time head coach Tony Bennett.
Ames transferred to Virginia from Kansas State ahead of the 2024–25 season, embracing the opportunity to contribute to the Cavaliers’ backcourt. Taking advantage of a recent NCAA rule change permitting players to wear jersey numbers 6 through 9, Ames chose number 7, becoming one of the first in decades to sport this numeral for Virginia .
During his sole season with the Cavaliers, Ames played in 31 games, starting 16, and averaged 5.2 points per game. His performance provided depth and versatility to Virginia’s guard rotation, complementing the efforts of teammates like Isaac McKneely and Andrew Rohde.
The 2024–25 season was a challenging one for Virginia. The team concluded with a 15–16 overall record and an 8–12 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, resulting in a five-way tie for ninth place. Their season ended with a 66–60 loss to Georgia Tech in the first round of the ACC tournament, and they did not receive invitations to the NCAA tournament or the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) .
Ames’ decision to transfer adds to a growing list of departures from the program. Following Coach Bennett’s unexpected retirement in October 2024, the Cavaliers have seen several players exit, including Reece Beekman and Ryan Dunn, who declared for the NBA draft, and Leon Bond III, who transferred to Northern Iowa .
The coaching change has been a significant factor in the team’s recent instability. After Bennett’s retirement, associate head coach Ron Sanchez served as interim head coach for the season but was not retained afterward. In March 2025, Virginia appointed Ryan Odom, formerly of VCU, as the new head coach, signaling a new direction for the program .
As the Cavaliers prepare for the 2025–26 season under Coach Odom’s leadership, the team faces the challenge of rebuilding its roster and establishing a new identity. Ames’ departure underscores the broader shifts occurring within the program, reflecting the dynamic nature of college basketball in the current era.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Virginia navigates this period of change and how the team repositions itself within the competitive landscape of the ACC
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