The portal season cometh. And like every year, it giveth and it taketh away.
For UVA fans, this time of year has become its own emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re talking yourself into what this roster could be next season, the next you’re refreshing your feed wondering who just entered the portal. This isn’t sourced. This isn’t insider info. This is just gut feel from a fan who’s watched this team closely and understands the current climate of college basketball.
Start with the guys I feel strongest about staying.
Chance Mallory feels like as safe a bet as you can have in this era. The Charlottesville native made an immediate impact and has a role that should only expand. There’s value in being home, being featured, and being part of something that’s trending upward. It’s hard to see a scenario where he leaves.
Sam Lewis feels like a return. He fit the system, played meaningful minutes, and most importantly, looked comfortable. After the Tennessee game, he mentioned coming back, and while we all know how fluid things are now, that still carries weight. Another year in this system could elevate him from solid contributor to true difference-maker.
Johan Grunloh is another I expect back. Bigs take time, and you could see the growth as the season went on. The physicality improved, the confidence improved, and the flashes became more consistent. A jump from roughly 20 minutes to that 25–28 range feels right. He seems to genuinely enjoy Charlottesville and what the staff is building, and his development trajectory fits perfectly with staying.
Silas Barksdale staying also makes sense. His role may not be massive, but every roster needs guys who understand their place and contribute within it. He feels like a steady piece who sticks around and continues to develop.
Martin Carrerre falls into that “Ryan Odom guy” category. Coaches value players they trust, and that matters more than ever now. His role likely grows slightly, even if it remains limited in the grand scheme. Those players matter over a long season.
Now for the tougher calls.
Tijs De Ridder is the big one. First-team All-ACC type production doesn’t come cheap anymore. That’s just reality. Whether it’s testing NBA waters, returning to Europe, or landing a major NIL deal elsewhere, it feels like a situation where UVA may simply get outbid. You hope there’s a path to keep him, but the gut says he’s gone.
Elijah Gertrude is more complicated. He loves the staff, loves UVA, and wants to be a Hoo. That matters. Still, playing time matters too, and there’s a scenario where he looks for a bigger role elsewhere. Wouldn’t shock me if he stays, but if you’re projecting strictly based on opportunity, it leans toward him entering the portal.
That brings us to roster construction and what this team needs.
Point guard depth is at the top of the list. A veteran backup who can steady things, handle pressure, and run the offense for stretches is critical. You can’t go through a season thin at that position.
A shot-blocking, three-point shooting center is another must. Someone who can give you 15 solid minutes, protect the rim, and stretch the floor changes everything about how this team can play.
If Tijs De Ridder leaves, replacing that production becomes the priority. That means finding a dynamic four with legitimate all-conference upside. Not a role player—a guy who can carry stretches offensively and anchor the frontcourt.
Perimeter shooting also needs to be reloaded. Losing guys like Jacari White and Malik Thomas creates a gap that has to be filled. One or two true shooting specialists would help, but adding a dynamic 2/3 who can create, defend, and score at all three levels would take this team to another level.
That’s the reality of portal season. You build, you lose, you reload, and you try to stay one step ahead.
Nothing here is guaranteed. That’s the point. This is the new era of college basketball, where rosters are fluid and continuity is earned, not assumed.
Still, if enough of these pieces fall into place, there’s a version of this team next year that isn’t just good—but dangerous.
Go Hoos.
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