Virginia Cavaliers head basketball coach Ryan Odom addressed media questions on Wednesday during a pre-season September press conference. Throughout the 30-minute session, Odom touched on program development, team leadership, and, of course, confirmed the rumored new jerseys for the team.
Odom appeared relaxed, good-hearted, and enthusiastic throughout the line of questioning – acknowledging the newness of his tenure, the team, and the college athletics landscape with a humble confidence.
He recognized
frustration from fans with the transfer portal and the uncertainty of the program. In response, he’s trying to embrace the “behind the scenes” content, such as Carla Williams’ new podcast Inside Virginia Athletics and the “Proving Grounds” documentary series introducing fans to the men’s basketball program under his tenure.
In fact, Odom encouraged fans to watch the monthly episodes for an opportunity to “get to know the team,” a concern that rings true for Virginia fans and alumni in the face of an unfamiliar roster and coaching staff.
Still, Odom took the opportunity to paint the picture for the upcoming year. He noted Dallin Hall as a rising leader on the team – particularly for his consistent approach to the game and, likely, for his level of experience as a graduate student. “There’s just a trust there that exists,” Odom said of Hall’s reputation among his teammates.
He went on to cite Thijs De Ridder as a leader with experience, as well as Devin Tillis and Malik Thomas as vocal presences on the court. However, Odom noted that a team summer reading assignment of the book “Legacy” promoted a team mentality that each player is expected to be a leader.
“There’s different levels to it, but leaders create leaders and that’s something we want to foster each and every day we come in,” Odom said. “We all have a role to play.”
That player leadership is critical for a roster of almost entirely new faces. Odom shared that the summer was a chance to let things develop naturally with a “show us what you can do” mindset, to gel the team and expose opportunities.
“If you put them in roles right away and you come in with these preconceived notions of how you think they should play, you might miss something.”
With that, Odom noted key developments in center Johann Grunloh’s physicality and versatility, De Ridder’s assertiveness on the court, and seven-footer Ugonna Onyenso’s unexpected shooting range.
And to Odom, none of this is possible without the continuity of his coaching staff. “If you’re having to coach 13 new players who are all new to this place … and you’re having to coach your coaches – that’s a daunting task.”
Every preseason glimpse offers insight into the program’s new leadership. Odom nearly jumped with enthusiasm, responding to a question of whether or not the team had started practicing a press. “Right away!” Odom said. “First practice!”
While he mentioned his favorability toward a shorter pre-season and added non-conference games, he commented on the value of transfers like Sam Lewis, who still have multiple years of eligibility. While we didn’t hear conversation on the future of this roster and if Odom’s inaugural season will be retention-oriented, an indicated interest in longer-term players is reassuring for a rotating door of Division I rosters.
