Virginia Cavaliers Men’s Basketball: History, Roster, Schedule, and More

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The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is a college basketball team that represents the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. The team competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and is currently coached by Tony Bennett. The Cavaliers have won one NCAA championship, in 2019.

Team Name: Virginia Cavaliers

Short Name: Cavaliers

Team Owner(s): The University of Virginia

Prominent Players:

  • Tony Bennett
  • Malcolm Brogdon (2012-2016)
  • Kyle Guy (2015-2018)
  • Ty Jerome (2016-2019)
  • De’Andre Hunter (2016-2019)
  • Ralph Sampson (1977-1981)
  • Jerry West (1959-1962)

Some of the most prominent players in Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball history include Tony Bennett, Malcolm Brogdon, Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome, De’Andre Hunter, Ralph Sampson, and Jerry West. These players have all gone on to have successful professional careers in the NBA.

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is one of the most respected college basketball teams in the country. They are known for their defensive-minded style of play, and they have consistently been one of the top teams in the ACC.

History about Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball Team

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team was founded in 1894. The team was originally a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA), and they remained in that conference until 1921. In 1921, the Cavaliers joined the Southern Conference, where they remained until 1953. In 1953, the Cavaliers joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where they have remained ever since.

The Cavaliers have had a long and successful history. They have won one NCAA championship, in 2019. They have also won 12 ACC regular season championships and 5 ACC tournament championships.

Some of the team’s most notable moments in history include:

  • 1981: The Cavaliers reach the NCAA Final Four, but lose to Indiana in the championship game
  • 1984: The Cavaliers reach the NCAA Elite Eight, but lose to North Carolina in the regional final.
  • 2014: The Cavaliers reach the NCAA Final Four, but lose to Kentucky in the championship game.
  • 2019: The Cavaliers win the NCAA championship, defeating Texas Tech in the final.

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is one of the most respected college basketball teams in the country. They are known for their defensive-minded style of play, and they have consistently been one of the top teams in the ACC.

Here are some other notable moments in Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball history:

  • 1962: Jerry West is named ACC Player of the Year.
  • 1973: Ralph Sampson is named ACC Player of the Year.
  • 1990: The Cavaliers win their first ACC regular season championship.
  • 1995: The Cavaliers win their first ACC tournament championship.
  • 2007: Tony Bennett is hired as head coach of the Cavaliers.
  • 2014: The Cavaliers reach the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 1984.
  • 2019: The Cavaliers win the NCAA championship, their first since 1981.

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is a proud tradition, and they continue to be one of the top teams in the country.

Coaching Staff Information about Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball Team

Head Coach: Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett is the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team. He was hired in 2007, and he has led the Cavaliers to four ACC regular season championships, three ACC tournament championships, and one NCAA championship. Bennett is known for his defensive-minded style of play, and he has helped to transform the Cavaliers into one of the top defensive teams in the country.

Associate Head Coach: Ron Sanchez

Ron Sanchez is the associate head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team. He was hired in 2012, and he has been a key member of Bennett’s staff. Sanchez is known for his work on the defensive side of the ball, and he has helped to develop some of the best defensive players in the country.

Assistant Coach: Jason Williford

Jason Williford is an assistant coach for the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team. He was hired in 2015, and he has been a valuable member of Bennett’s staff. Williford is known for his work on the offensive side of the ball, and he has helped to develop some of the best offensive players in the country.

Assistant Coach: Orlando Vandross

Orlando Vandross is an assistant coach for the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team. He was hired in 2023, and he is a former player for the Cavaliers. Vandross is known for his work with guards, and he has helped to develop some of the best guards in the ACC.

Director of Player Development: Brad Soderberg

Brad Soderberg is the director of player development for the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team. He was hired in 2011, and he has been a valuable member of Bennett’s staff. Soderberg is known for his work with individual players, and he has helped to develop some of the best players in the ACC.

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball coaching staff is one of the most respected in the country. They have a wealth of experience, and they are all committed to helping the Cavaliers win.

Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball Team information about players

NameJerseyPositionHeightWeightHS YearRating
Reece Beekman2Guard6’3″190 lbs20224-star
Dante Harris1Guard6’0″170 lbs20213-star
Isaac McKneely11Guard6’4″179 lbs20214-star
Andrew Rohde4Guard6’6″185 lbs20223-star
Ryan Dunn13Guard6’8″218 lbs20213-star
Jordan Minor22Forward6’9″225 lbs20223-star
Jake Groves34Forward6’10”238 lbs20214-star
Blake Buchanan0Forward6’11”215 lbs20234-star
Elijah Gertrude12Guard6’4″180 lbs20234-star

This is just a small sample of the many talented players on the 2023-2024 Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team. The Cavaliers are sure to be a competitive team this season, and these players will be key to their success.

Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball Team’s last 10 years of records

YearOverallACCNCAA Tournament
2022-202323-1312-6Sweet 16
2021-202219-1110-8First Round
2020-202116-148-10NIT Second Round
2019-202031-315-3National Champions
2018-201933-316-2Elite Eight
2017-201823-1212-6Round of 32
2016-201720-1211-7Second Round
2015-201622-1210-8First Round
2014-201523-1212-6Elite Eight

As you can see, the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team has had a lot of success in recent years. They have won one national championship, and they have made the NCAA Tournament every year since 2014. The Cavaliers are a perennial contender in the ACC, and they are always a threat to win the national championship.

Season Preview: Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball Team

The Cavaliers are coming off a 23-13 season, which included a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The team lost a few key players from last year’s team, including Jayden Gardner, Kihei Clark, and Kody Stattman. However, the Cavaliers return a solid core of players, including Reece Beekman, Isaac McKneely, and Armaan Franklin.

Team’s strengths:

The Cavaliers’ strength this season will be their defense. They are one of the best defensive teams in the country, and they will be led by Beekman, McKneely, and Franklin. The Cavaliers’ offense will be more balanced this season, as they will have more scoring options. Franklin is a good scorer, and he will be joined by newcomers Blake Buchanan and Elijah Gertrude.

Team’s weaknesses:

The Cavaliers’ biggest weakness this season will be their depth. They are thin in the frontcourt, and they will need to get production from some of their younger players. The Cavaliers will also need to stay healthy, as they do not have a lot of experience on their roster.

The Cavaliers are a young team, but they have a lot of potential. If they can stay healthy and get production from their younger players, they could be a dangerous team in the ACC and the NCAA Tournament.

2023-2024 Schedule:

Virginia Cavaliers Schedule

DateOpponentLocationTime (ET)
November 9William & MaryJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
November 12George MasonEagleBank Arena7:00 PM
November 19FloridaSpectrum Center7:00 PM
November 22Fort Myers Tip-OffHP Field House7:00 PM
November 23West VirginiaHP Field House2:00 PM
November 26WisconsinJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
December 2George WashingtonJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
December 5VCUSiegel Center7:00 PM
December 10LongwoodJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
December 17Virginia TechJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
December 21RadfordJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
December 29ClemsonLittlejohn Coliseum7:00 PM
January 2MiamiJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
January 5at Wake ForestJoel Coliseum7:00 PM
January 8at Notre DamePurcell Pavilion2:00 PM
January 12Boston CollegeJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
January 15at PittsburghPetersen Events Center7:00 PM
January 19at DukeCameron Indoor Stadium7:00 PM
January 22North CarolinaJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
January 25at Georgia TechMcCamish Pavilion7:00 PM
January 29at LouisvilleKFC Yum! Center7:00 PM
February 1Wake ForestJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
February 5Notre DameJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
February 8at Boston CollegeConte Forum7:00 PM
February 11PittsburghJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
February 15DukeJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
February 18at North CarolinaDean Smith Center9:00 PM
February 22Georgia TechJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
February 25LouisvilleJohn Paul Jones Arena7:00 PM
March 1at ClemsonLittlejohn Coliseum7:00 PM

The table is sortable and searchable by date, opponent, location, and time. You can also click on the game name to view more information about the game, such as the TV channel and streaming options.

FAQs about the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team

1. What is the team’s nickname?

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is nicknamed the Cavaliers. The nickname was adopted in 1923, and it is a reference to the Royalists, who fought for and remained loyal to King Charles I during the English Civil Wars (1642–1648).

2. Who is the head coach of the team?

The head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is Tony Bennett. Bennett was hired in 2007, and he has led the Cavaliers to four ACC regular season championships, three ACC tournament championships, and one NCAA championship.

3. What is the team’s home arena?

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team’s home arena is John Paul Jones Arena. The arena is located on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was opened in 2006, and it has a capacity of 15,223.

4. What are the team’s colors?

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team’s colors are orange and navy blue. The team’s uniforms are typically orange with navy blue accents.

5. What are the team’s biggest rivals?

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team’s biggest rivals are the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels. These three teams are all located in the state of North Carolina, and they have been competing against each other for decades.

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