Virginia's Busy Offseason Begins

Virginia’s season came to an end Wednesday afternoon with a 66-60 ACC Tournament loss to Georgia Tech.  It was a difficult year, following Tony Bennett’s surprise retirement in October, for both fans and people within the program.  The players and coaching staff handled being thrown into a difficult situation very admirably.  They competed hard all season and represented UVA well. 

The next couple months figure to be a hectic time.  The first domino, and the most important, is naming a new coach.  I would certainly expect that news by the end of the month, likely a bit sooner.  That will only be the start of a busy offseason.  

Coach Search

Virginia does seem to be closing in on selecting their next coach.  There were definitely interviews done earlier this week, and likely some before that.   The goal was always to maximize the advantage of the early opening to move during this time period ahead of the coming openings at other schools. However, even if they do select or make an agreement with someone, it most likely won’t be made official until the next coach’s season comes to an end.  So we’ll probably still have a wait. 

The name that’s at the forefront is VCU coach Ryan Odom.  The noise around him has particularly grown louder in the last 24 hours.  Everything points to him being the top candidate, and the favorite to be UVA’s next head coach.  But certainly not a done deal.  He’s a hot commodity.  NC State is after him for their vacant head coaching job and rumors suggest Villanova could look his way if they decide to make a move in the coming weeks.  

New Mexico coach Richard Pitino is the other name that’s been heavily rumored.  And from what I understand, they did interview him this week.  But the latest word just over the last day is that he likely won’t be the choice.  There have been a few other names pop up this week, successful mid-major coaches, possibly interviewed as well.  I suspect backup options if a deal isn’t finalized with the top candidate, presumably Odom. 

There was an early attempt to woo Shaka Smart away from Marquette, but I think that’s been long put to rest.  Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington has been mentioned a lot too.  His contract includes a large buyout clause that likely is keeping other schools away.  

Mallory Decision

In the middle of all this, we have a key high school recruit about to make his decision.  Local product Chance Mallory out of St. Anne’s-Belfield (VA), a previous Virginia commit to Tony Bennett, is set to announce his decision soon.  Reportedly planned for March 22nd.  Finalists are Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Vanderbilt.  

It’s a bit of an unusual situation with UVA not yet having a coach in place.  Maybe that will change before then.  Despite that, the Hoos still have an excellent shot at keeping the four-star point guard at home.  I believe that is the preference, Completely dependent on the coaching hire, however.  It’s very possible the hire will be known, even if privately, before it’s made official--something to keep in mind. 

Portal Season

A lot will happen in a very short time.  The transfer portal opens on March 24th.  To be clear, all that means is players are allowed to enter the portal starting on that date.  There is no deadline for choosing a new school.  The actual recruiting of transfers doesn’t really hit stride until around April 11h, following the Final Four.  That’s when visit season heats up, with most decisions made from mid-April to mid-May. 

Once UVA’s new coach is named, his first job will be sorting out the current roster.  He’ll need to figure out who’s staying and going.  Following a coaching change, there is usually a lot of turnover.  At the same time, he’ll be assembling his new staff.  A lot will be thrown at him very quickly.  

Then, we’ll see what’s left and start recruiting to fill out next season’s roster.  As mentioned, the busiest time for transfer recruiting gets going on the other side of a dead period following the Final Four, the weekend of April 11th.  But the new staff will need to have their plan in place and early targets identified before then.  

Finally Normalized

Hopefully by the middle of May, the program will be stabilized. Next season’s roster will be in place.  Players return for summer practices in mid-June.  

At that time, high school recruiting moves to center stage.  We’ll be knee deep in class of 2026 coverage on Locker Room Access.  The new staff will be on the road for the first AAU live period the weekend of May 16th.  Back to business as usual…only under new management.  

Stay Tuned

It’s a time of change for Virginia Basketball.  I’m excited to see which direction they’ll go and then learn about a new coach.  

Locker Room Access will be the place to be this offseason.  Consider becoming a VIP subscriber.  When it comes to what’s about to take place, nobody covers it better than we do.  It’s not close.  

Go Hoos!

(Featured Image Credit: Josie Drumheller/UVA Athletics)