The University of Virginia’s men’s basketball program is making a significant move this offseason. After the 2024/25 season that saw them finish with a respectable but not championship-level performance, head coach Ryan Odom has gone all-in on the transfer portal to rebuild the roster.
With eight new players joining the squad, including some of the most prolific scorers and defensive talents available, the program is positioning itself as a serious contender for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) crown in the 2025/26 season. Let’s break down how these additions could transform the Cavaliers into a powerhouse.
A New Era Under Ryan Odom
The headliner of Virginia’s transfer haul is Malik Thomas, a 6’5” guard who committed to the Cavaliers after a standout season at San Francisco. Thomas averaged 19.9 points per game in 2024/25, leading the West Coast Conference (WCC) in scoring while earning the First-Team All-WCC honors.
Virginia has reloaded on talent this summer
+ Malik Thomas: 19.9 PPG at San Fran
+ Jacari White: 17.1 PPG at NDSU
+ Thijs De Ridder*: 9.3 PPG in ACB
+ Johan Grunloh: 2.7 BPG in BCL+ Devin Tillis
+ Dallin Hall
+ Ugo Onyenso
+ Chance MalloryTop ___ team in the ACC next year ? pic.twitter.com/xMWdpkqSti
— nbadraftpoint (@nbadraftpoint) May 10, 2025
His ability to score at all three levels makes him a great addition to Virginia’s backcourt.
Joining Thomas in the backcourt is Jacari White, a 6’3” guard who transferred from North Dakota State. White averaged 17.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game last season, earning Second-Team All-Summit League honors. International Talent Bolsters the Frontcourt.
While the backcourt additions grab the headlines, Virginia’s frontcourt has also received a major boost with the arrivals of Thijs De Ridder and Johan Grunloh. De Ridder, a forward from Spain’s ACB league, averaged 9.3 points per game in one of Europe’s top professional leagues.
Grunloh is a German center who played in the Basketball Champions League (BCL). Averaging 2.7 blocks per game in the BCL, Grunloh gives Virginia a true rim protector, something the team has lacked in recent years.
His defensive presence will be crucial against ACC big men like Duke’s Cooper Flagg or UNC’s frontcourt stars. Beyond the headliners, Virginia added four more transfers: Devin Tillis, Dallin Hall, Ugo Onyenso, and Chance Mallory.
Can Virginia Contend in the ACC?
With these eight transfers joining the fold, Virginia’s roster looks dramatically different from a year ago. On paper, they have the scoring, defense, and depth to make a serious run at the ACC title.
The ACC is a gauntlet, with traditional powers like Duke, UNC, and Miami returning strong rosters, and teams like Louisville and Syracuse trending upward.
Team chemistry will be Virginia’s most significant question mark, as eight new players need time to gel. If Odom can get this group playing together early, the Cavaliers could be a top-four team in the ACC and a legitimate NCAA Tournament contender.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Fans in Charlottesville have every reason to be excited, as this reloaded roster has the potential to bring Virginia back to the top of the conference come next season.
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