Jordan Minor Chooses Virginia
Virginia reeled in their first recruit of the offseason, and it’s an important one. Merrimack transfer Jordan Minor announced his commitment to play for the Wahoos on Thursday., following his official visit over the weekend. The 6-8 power forward/center won both the Northeast Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards this past season. He only has one year of eligibility left.
Jordan Minor's Recruitment
Minor was one of the first available transfers contacted by Virginia. They seemed to zero in on him as a primary target quickly. Once the outgoing transfers were done, things immediately intensified with him.
He set four official visits. The first two took place this past weekend, to Virginia and Florida Gulf Coast. He also had upcoming visits scheduled to Iowa and Seton Hall. But obviously, he found what he was looking for at Virginia and wrapped things up early.
The Virginia coaching staff had some relationships that helped get their foot in the door. Particularly assistant coach Orlando Vandross, who hails from Jordan’s home turf of Boston. UVA had recruited players from Minor’s high school and AAU program in the past. There was a familiarity in place through those mutual connections that made things comfortable for both sides.
What Jordan Minor Brings to Virginia
Minor fills UVA’s most urgent need. With most of last season’s frontcourt contributors having departed, Tony Bennett was left with a big gap to fill. And there’s still some work to be done. But Minor is the piece they absolutely had to have. He’s likely the starting center for the Hoos next season.
Athleticism and energy are the key traits Minor brings. He averaged over 17 points and 9 rebounds last season, while blocking 2.6 shots per game. Just about all of his scoring comes around the basket. He’s a reliable finisher, very active on the offensive glass, and is also a threat to face-up and drive to the basket.
The defensive end is where he brings the greatest value. UVA needs his rim protection ability. And he’s very agile for a big man. He should fit well into Bennett’s packline scheme with all the hedging and switching asked of frontcourt players.
He mostly played center at Merrimack. In the ACC, he’ll be a little undersized in that spot. Also, Merrimack played a zone defense almost exclusively. It will be a big adjustment for him, both in level of competition and style of play. But he has performed well in his handful of opportunities against high-major competition.
Virginia's Recruiting Going Forward
With Jordan Minor on board, Virginia has eight scholarship players locked in for next season. Reece Beekman could potentially make nine. His status is still up in the air while he tests the NBA Draft. He has until the May 31st withdrawal deadline to decide whether to return.
They’ll look to add at least two more players. One more up front and another guard.
UVA had been focused on Robert Jennings in that second frontcourt spot. He'll instead remain at Texas Tech, after previously placing Virginia in his final two. While there's a long list of other players they've been in contact with, it's unclear right now where they'll turn next.
Jarin Stevenson is one to keep an eye on. The five-star rated 2024 forward from Seaforth High in North Carolina was in Charlottesville this past weekend on an official visit. He could potentially reclassify and enroll in college this Fall, but that likely won't be decided for a few months. The Tar Heels are the main competition.
There are two prime targets at guard. Blue Cain, a 2023 recruit who recently decommitted from Georgia Tech, is supposed to visit soon. Georgia and Florida will receive visits from him as well. And they're also in full pursuit of St. Thomas transfer Andrew Rohde, another probable upcoming visitor. They'll need to beat out Creighton for him.
The Wrap
Virginia needed to bring in an experienced piece up front, an immediate contributor. Jordan Minor fits the bill. Committing quickly like this is an added bonus. It allows them to check one box off the list and turn more of the coaching staff’s attention toward filling the other spots.
Visits start back up on Friday when the short dead period ends. All of next week should be a busy time. Hopefully, there will be a couple more new Hoos coming on board soon
(Featured Image Credit: Merrimack Athletics)