German center Johann Grünloh commits to Virginia
One of the top prospects in Europe has chosen to play his college basketball at Virginia. German center Johann Grünloh will join the Cavaliers. The 6’11” 19-year old previously played for Rasta Vechta of the German BBL, the country’s top professional league. He was a starter this past season, averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocked shots. Eurohopes.com ranks him as the third best 2005-born prospect in Europe.
NEWS: 6’11” German big man Johann Grünloh has committed to Ryan Odom and Virginia, per @247Sports.
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) April 28, 2025
The 19-year-old currently plays for SC Rasta Vechta. pic.twitter.com/v2oSWwIm6j
About Johann Grünloh
Grünloh likely would have been a 2nd round selection if he had entered the NBA Draft this year. He’s played in the top German division full-time the past two years. That league is littered with former college stars. In fact, he and former Virginia standout Jayden Gardner formed Rasta Vechta’s starting frontcourt.
He’s a very skilled and fundamentally sound big man. Grünloh became a three-point threat this season for the first time in his career, knocking down 36% on 2.4 attempts per game from behind the arc. That’s helped take his offensive game to a higher level. He finishes well around the basket, and does a great job protecting the rim as the 1.8 block average shows. All the things you want from a big man in the modern game, Grünloh checks the boxes.
Grünloh will need to adjust to major college basketball. Although he’s competed at a higher level, the European style of play is a little different, as is the professional game in general. He’ll need to get used to playing through contact a bit more, and just the physicality of the ACC.
Out of all of Virginia’s additions this spring, Grünloh is the biggest splash so far. There’s always risk attached to overseas players, but this one is a good bet. He’s already proven himself against high-level pros. Expect him to make an immediate impact next season in the ACC.
Virginia’s Recruiting Going Forward
With the addition of Johann Grünloh, Virginia has 10 players on the 2025-26 roster. Ryan Odom will still want to add three or four more.
Grünloh helps fill a major void at the center position, but Virginia still needs depth up front. Another true big man most likely and another forward to pair with incoming transfer Devin Tillis. There should be another addition or two in the backcourt as well.
There’s a lot of talk that Virginia is in a strong position with Kansas State transfer center Ugonna Onyenso. There’s not a clear top target at the forward spot. But UVA has been mentioned recently with Florida Atlantic transfer Baba Miller and Alabama transfer Derrion Reid. There’s a report of interest in Romanian wing Denis Badalau too.
The Hoos were among the teams to reach out to USC scoring guard Desmond Claude. Kansas transfer wing Rakease Passmore visited recently. And the wait continues to find out whether San Francisco guard Malik Thomas receives a waiver from the NCAA.
Important Addition
This is a very big recruiting pickup for Ryan Odom and his staff. Grünloh helps fill their most urgent need, while also potentially being a long term centerpiece for the program. It shows overseas recruiting will be an important part of the equation under Odom as well.
Stay tuned to Locker Room Access. We’ll have Virginia Basketball recruiting covered all off-season long. And check out our partner Fan Fund, the credit card that gives back to your favorite student-athletes.