Busy Spring of Visits for UVA
Virginia handed out eight new scholarship offers to recruits in the 2023 class following the spring live evaluation periods. They’ve wasted no time bringing them in for official visits. It’s been one after another lately. Three of them this week alone. In case you’ve lost track, that’s what we’re here for.
Blake Buchanan 6'10 C Lake City (ID)
Blake Buchanan is the only true big man with a scholarship offer from Virginia. He was the first to visit, about a month ago now. Very agile at his size and one of the better rim protectors in the class, he would fit really well into Bennett’s defensive scheme. Of all the players offered this spring, he seems to be the one they’re furthest along with in terms of having built a relationship in advance.
UVA was his first and still only high-major offer, but that’s likely to change in the near future. Gonzaga, just a short drive from his home, seems to be the one to watch out for. Several Pac-12 schools including UCLA plan to give him a closer look this summer too.
Freddie Dilione 6'5 PG Word of God (NC)
Freddie Dilione had a huge spring. He’s one of the top scorers on the Adidas circuit. UVA had him in for an official visit on the weekend of May 7th. Bennett has compared him to Malcolm Brogdon, as a big guard who can run the point or play off the ball. They’ve been involved with him since he turned heads over the winter.
His only official visit so far has been to Virginia. He has an upcoming visit to VCU. Alabama, Texas, and NC State are some of the other contenders so far.
TJ Power 6'8 PF Worcester (MA)
TJ Power started his official visit on Monday. This is one that assistant coach Orlando Vandross has been working on for a while. He’s very versatile offensively, a great shooter who’s shown good ability to create for himself and others. A two-sport star, he’s also a division-1 baseball recruit.
He took an early official visit to Iowa, and plans to see Indiana soon. Notre Dame is a contender as well.
Jamie Kaiser 6'6 SG Bishop Ireton (VA)
Jamie Kaiser might be the hottest recruit in the country right now. He starts his official visit on Wednesday. Another two-sport star, he had power conference offers for football before deciding to concentrate on hoops. He’s a shot maker with good size, in the mold of a Joe Harris. The clear top target for the Hoos at shooting guard.
He’s already taken official visits to Wisconsin and Harvard. George Mason is up next after UVA. His recruitment has really taken off just in the last few weeks with programs like Indiana and Ohio State jumping in.
Milan Momcilovic 6'8 PF Pewaukee (WI)
Milan Momcilovic was the most watched player by the UVA staff during the spring live periods. He’ll be in Charlottesville this weekend for an official visit. Assistant coach Kyle Getter has been involved with him, making trips to see him over the winter. He’s been one of the top players on the NIke EYBL, a lethal scorer inside and out.
He took early visits to Iowa State and Minnesota. UCLA will get their turn later this month. Michigan State and Texas recently offered as well.
Unofficial Visits
Greensboro Day (NC) guard Jaydon Young was on grounds for an unofficial visit on May 14th. They haven’t offered him a scholarship yet. He’s a big combo guard who’s dealt with some past injuries, but is back playing well this spring. Expect the coaching staff to give him a close look during the scholastic live periods later this month.
Hudson Catholic (NJ) guard Elijah Gertrude has said he plans to visit soon. He’s had a fantastic spring of AAU, turning UVA’s head along the way. No scholarship offer yet, but he’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
May Need Patience
Virginia is still looking for their first commitment from the 2023 class. It bodes well though that they've had so much success getting recruits to visit. I expect a couple of the names above will be Hoos in the end. But while you never know, it would be a little surprising if any of them were to commit soon. They’ll be recruiting most of these guys through the summer.