The New Look UVA Basketball Roster for 2025-26

The landscape of Atlantic Coast Conference basketball has shifted significantly as the 2025-26 season approaches, particularly in Charlottesville. Following the retirement of Tony Bennett, the University of Virginia has entered a new chapter under head coach Ryan Odom. The transition has brought about one of the most substantial roster overhauls in program history. With eleven new additions and only three returning players from the previous regime, the current UVA basketball roster represents a fundamental shift in both personnel and anticipated philosophy.

This season's squad is a blend of high-major transfers, seasoned mid-major producers, and a promising freshman class. The coaching staff has utilized the transfer portal to address immediate needs in scoring and interior depth while maintaining a focus on the defensive foundations that have defined Virginia for over a decade. As the team prepares for the upcoming campaign, the following breakdown provides a detailed look at the individuals who will wear the navy and orange.

The Backcourt: Experience and Playmaking

The guard rotation for the 2025-26 season is characterized by a significant influx of veteran leadership. In a departure from previous years where developmental guards were the norm, the current roster features multiple players who have already served as primary options at their previous institutions.

Malik Thomas (Graduate Student | 6-5 | 215)

Malik Thomas joins the Cavaliers as a graduate transfer from the University of San Francisco. A native of Fontana, California, Thomas brings a high-scoring pedigree to the ACC. During the 2024-25 season with the Dons, he averaged 19.9 points per game and demonstrated elite efficiency from the free-throw line, surpassing the 85% mark. At 6-5 and 215 pounds, Thomas possesses the physical stature to compete at the shooting guard or small forward position in the ACC. His ability to score at all three levels—at the rim, in the mid-range, and from beyond the arc—provides Coach Odom with a versatile offensive weapon that was often a missing link in recent UVA iterations.

Jacari White (Graduate Student | 6-3 | 180)

Another critical addition to the perimeter is Jacari White, a graduate transfer from North Dakota State. White is recognized for his two-way impact. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 17.1 points per game while shooting nearly 40% from three-point range. Beyond his offensive contributions, White is noted for his defensive tenacity, a trait that aligns with the traditional expectations of a Virginia guard. His experience in high-leverage situations at the mid-major level suggests he is prepared for a significant role in the starting backcourt.

Dallin Hall (Graduate Student | 6-4 | 197)

Dallin Hall arrives in Charlottesville by way of BYU. A seasoned floor general, Hall has a proven track record of orchestrating offenses in competitive conferences. During his tenure at BYU, he was instrumental in leading the Cougars to an NCAA Tournament appearance, averaging 9.0 points and over 5 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. Even in a modified role during the 2024-25 season, Hall maintained a high assist-to-turnover ratio. His size at 6-4 allows him to see over defenses and provides defensive versatility at the point guard position. Hall is expected to be the primary ball-handler, tasked with implementing Ryan Odom’s offensive sets.

Chance Mallory (Freshman | 5-10 | 186)

A local product from Charlottesville’s St. Anne’s-Belfield, Chance Mallory is one of the most highly anticipated freshmen in recent years. Despite his 5-10 frame, Mallory is known for his exceptional speed, vision, and shot-making ability. As a four-star recruit, he elected to stay home to help usher in the Odom era. Mallory provides a change-of-pace option in the backcourt and is expected to learn under the tutelage of veteran guards like Hall and Thomas.

Sam Lewis (Junior | 6-7 | 210)

Sam Lewis, a transfer from Toledo, adds significant length to the guard/wing rotation. At 6-7, Lewis fits the mold of a modern "big guard" who can disrupt passing lanes and shoot over smaller defenders. His transition to the ACC will be watched closely, as his height and athleticism provide a defensive profile that Coach Odom can utilize in multiple lineup configurations.

Owen Odom (Freshman | 6-1 | 171)

Rounding out the guard depth is Owen Odom, a freshman from Annapolis, Maryland. Joining the program as a developmental piece, Odom provides depth in the practice facility and serves as part of the youth movement intended to build long-term stability within the roster.

The Wings and Forwards: Versatility and Length

The forward positions on the 2025-26 roster emphasize the modern basketball requirement for "switchability." The players selected for these roles are largely capable of guarding multiple positions while providing floor spacing on the offensive end.

Devin Tillis (Graduate Student | 6-7 | 240)

Devin Tillis brings a wealth of experience from UC Irvine, where he was a standout performer in the Big West. Tillis is a unique forward who combines interior strength with a reliable perimeter shot, having maintained a career three-point average near 39%. His rebounding ability (7.8 RPG in the 2024-25 season) is particularly vital for a Virginia team that has occasionally struggled on the boards. Tillis is projected to occupy the starting power forward role, providing a "stretch four" element that forces opposing big men out of the paint.

Thijs de Ridder (Freshman | 6-9 | 238)

A late and significant addition to the roster, Thijs de Ridder comes to Virginia from Belgium. At 6-9, he possesses the mobility of a wing and the size of a traditional forward. International prospects of his caliber often bring a high basketball IQ and a refined skill set. De Ridder is expected to compete for immediate minutes in the rotation, offering a different look than the more traditional American-style forwards.

Silas Barksdale (Freshman | 6-9 | 223)

Silas Barksdale is another highly-regarded freshman, hailing from Newport News, Virginia. A standout at Woodside High School, Barksdale provides the coaching staff with a high-upside athlete who can run the floor and protect the rim. While he may face a learning curve in the ACC, his physical tools are undeniable, making him a key component of the program's future frontcourt.

Martin Carrere (Redshirt Freshman | 6-9 | 198)

Martin Carrere, a transfer from VCU, spent the previous year as a redshirt. Originally from France, Carrere is a lanky, versatile player who can slide between the small forward and power forward positions. His year in a collegiate strength and conditioning program should prepare him to contribute to the rotation this season.

The Frontcourt: The Interior Presence

To compete in the ACC, interior depth and rim protection are non-negotiable. The 2025-26 UVA basketball roster features two primary centers who offer distinct advantages.

Johann Grünloh (Freshman | 7-0 | 238)

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the roster is 7-foot freshman Johann Grünloh from Germany. Grünloh is considered the "prize" of the recruiting class, bringing professional-level experience from the German league (Rasta Vechta). Unlike many traditional 7-footers, Grünloh is noted for his ability to move fluidly and his potential as a floor spacer. His pairing with a veteran point guard like Dallin Hall in pick-and-roll situations is a cornerstone of the projected offensive strategy. Defensively, his 7-foot frame provides the rim protection that has always been a staple of the Virginia identity.

Ugonna Onyenso (Senior | 7-0 | 245)

Ugonna Onyenso, a transfer from Kansas State (and formerly of Kentucky), provides a veteran counterpoint to Grünloh. Onyenso is a proven shot-blocker at the highest levels of college basketball. His presence ensures that Virginia will have 40 minutes of high-level rim protection. In an era where many teams are going small, the ability to play two different 7-footers allows Coach Odom to dictate the physical terms of the game.

The Returning Cavaliers: Maintaining Continuity

While the roster has seen immense turnover, three players remained in Charlottesville to provide a bridge between the old and new eras. Their presence is vital for maintaining the culture of the program.

Elijah Gertrude (Redshirt Sophomore | 6-4 | 173)

Elijah Gertrude is perhaps the most explosive athlete on the roster. After dealing with injury setbacks early in his career, Gertrude enters the 2025-26 season with high expectations. His ability to pressure the rim and defend elite ACC guards will be critical for the team's success. As one of the few players familiar with the University, his leadership in the locker room is as important as his on-court production.

Carter Lang (Redshirt Sophomore | 6-9 | 251)

Carter Lang, a Charlottesville native who returned to UVA after a stint at Vanderbilt, provides a physical interior presence. Lang is a traditional "bruiser" who excels in rebounding and setting screens. His familiarity with the local community and the program’s expectations makes him a valuable asset for Coach Odom as he builds his first squad.

Desmond Roberts (Redshirt Sophomore | 6-4 | 195)

Desmond Roberts rounds out the group of returnees. A reliable guard who has spent time developing within the program, Roberts provides depth and continuity. His understanding of the academic and athletic rigor of the University of Virginia is an underrated component of this transition year.

The Coaching Staff: A New Vision

Ryan Odom has assembled a staff that reflects his vision for a modern, analytically-driven program while respecting the history of Virginia basketball. Odom, who previously led VCU and UMBC, is known for a style that encourages offensive freedom within a structured system.

• Ryan Odom: Head Coach (Dean and Markel Families Men's Head Basketball Coach)
• Griff Aldrich: Associate Head Coach
• Matt Henry: Assistant Coach
• Bryce Crawford: Assistant Coach
• Darius Theus: Assistant Coach
• Kelsey Knoche: Director of Operations
• Matt Hart: Director of Analytics
• Billy Bales: Video Coordinator
• Ahmad Thomas: Director of Recruiting

The presence of Matt Hart as Director of Analytics suggests that the 2025-26 team will be heavily influenced by data-driven decision-making, from shot selection to defensive rotations. This modern approach, combined with the veteran experience of Associate Head Coach Griff Aldrich, aims to keep Virginia at the top of the ACC standings.

Tactical Analysis: What to Expect

With this specific roster, the 2025-26 Virginia Cavaliers are expected to play a brand of basketball that differs from the slow-paced, defensive grinds of the past decade. The personnel suggests several tactical shifts:

1. Increased Tempo: With guards like Malik Thomas and Jacari White, the team is better equipped to score in transition. Coach Odom’s previous teams have generally played at a faster pace than the Tony Bennett-led squads.
2. Floor Spacing: Nearly every projected rotation player, including the big men like Tillis and Grünloh, possesses the ability to shoot from the perimeter. This will create more driving lanes for guards like Dallin Hall.
3. Defensive Versatility: While the "Pack-Line" may be modified, the length of players like Sam Lewis, Thijs de Ridder, and Johann Grünloh allows for a more aggressive, switching style of defense.
4. Roster Depth: Unlike recent years where the rotation was often limited to seven or eight players, the 2025-26 roster has at least ten players who could realistically contribute significant minutes. This depth will be crucial for maintaining intensity over the course of the ACC schedule.

2025-26 UVA Basketball Roster Summary

Final Outlook

The 2025-26 UVA basketball roster is a testament to the speed at which college basketball can transform in the era of the transfer portal and coaching changes. While the team faces the challenge of building chemistry with 11 new faces, the sheer talent and experience level suggest a high ceiling. The combination of elite mid-major production, international prospects, and a few key returnees provides Coach Ryan Odom with a versatile toolkit as he begins his tenure in Charlottesville. As the season progresses, the development of the freshman class alongside the integration of graduate transfers will determine if Virginia remains a perennial contender in the ACC.