Virginia Best Player Announces Unexpected Retention For The…

Virginia Cavaliers Basketball Faces Major Roster Overhaul Ahead of 2025–26 Season

 

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program is undergoing a significant transformation as it prepares for the 2025–26 season. Following the unexpected retirement of long-time head coach Tony Bennett in October 2024 , the team has experienced substantial roster turnover, with the majority of players from the previous season departing.

 

In March 2025, Ryan Odom, formerly the head coach at VCU, was appointed as Virginia’s new head coach . Odom faces the challenge of rebuilding the team almost from scratch, as only one scholarship player, Elijah Gertrude, has opted to remain with the program .

 

The Cavaliers have seen a mass exodus of talent through the NCAA transfer portal. Notably, leading scorer Isaac McKneely, who averaged 14.4 points per game and shot 42.1% from beyond the arc, entered the portal in March 2025 . Other key departures include guards Andrew Rohde and Anthony Robinson, and forwards TJ Power and Jacob Cofie, among others .

 

In response to these departures, Odom has been proactive in replenishing the roster. As of early May 2025, Virginia has added eight players via the transfer portal and secured commitments from two incoming high school recruits, bringing the roster to twelve players . One of the most notable additions is Malik Thomas, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who led the West Coast Conference in scoring during the 2024–25 season while playing for San Francisco .

 

The incoming high school recruits, Chance Mallory and Silas Barksdale, are expected to contribute immediately. Mallory, a point guard from St. Anne’s-Belfield, committed to Virginia shortly after Odom’s hiring . Barksdale, a versatile wing, is also anticipated to play a significant role in the team’s new system.

 

Despite the influx of new talent, the team faces challenges in terms of experience and cohesion. With only one returning scholarship player, the Cavaliers will need to quickly develop chemistry and adapt to Odom’s coaching style. The significant roster turnover reflects a broader trend in college basketball, where the transfer portal has led to increased player movement and decreased roster stability .

 

As the Cavaliers navigate this period of transition, the upcoming season will serve as a critical test for Odom and his newly assembled team. Success will depend on how quickly the players can gel and execute the new system, as well as how effectively the coaching staff can integrate the diverse talents of the incoming transfers and freshmen.

 

The 2025–26 season marks a new era for Virginia basketball, one characterized by significant change and the potential for growth. While challenges lie ahead, the proactive steps taken by the coaching staff offer a foundation upon which to build a competitive program in the years to come.