University of Virginia basketball relies on returning experience

The University of Virginia men’s basketball team enters its next season with a focus on roster retention and experience. Under head coach Ryan Odom, the Cavaliers have brought back every player with known eligibility, including three starters from a previous 30-win team.

Key returning players include First-Team All-ACC forward Thijs De Ridder, along with starters Sam Lewis and Johann Grünloh. De Ridder and Grünloh, both former professional players in Europe, successfully transitioned to American college basketball last season, playing significant roles in the team's 30-win campaign and ACC Tournament run.

Coach Odom noted that the decision for many players to remain with the program reflects both individual goals and strong team dynamics, especially given the high volume of players entering the transfer portal. The roster features 10 returning players to provide a foundation for the upcoming season.