As we wait for the No. 23 Virginia Cavaliers to return to action this Saturday against Maryland, it’s a great time to check in on the former ’Hoos in the NBA. With seven Cavaliers in the pros, UVA is tied
for 16th-most active NBA players among all colleges and universities.
The NBA season is a little more than a quarter of the way through, and several former ’Hoos are off to hot starts.
Trey Murphy III
Now in his fifth season after being drafted 17th overall in 2021, Trey Murphy III is continuing to emerge as one of the most valuable three-and-D assets in the Association. Murphy broke out last season, when he averaged a career-best 21.2 points per game, and he has maintained that scoring efficiency this season while improving his rebounding and defensive numbers.
In 25 games this season, Murphy is scoring a team-high 21.1 points, grabbing a team-high 6.5 rebounds, and dishing out 3.5 assists per game while shooting nearly 49% from the floor and 36% from three. Defensively, Murphy is using his lanky, 6-foot-8 frame to average 1.7 steals per game while routinely being tasked with stopping the opposing team’s best scorer.
While Murphy is excelling, the Pelicans are struggling, sitting last in the Western Conference with a 5-22 record. Resultingly, Murphy has popped up in some trade rumors this week, with the Golden State Warriors reportedly calling to inquire about acquiring the talented young wing. A hyper-athletic, two-way player, Murphy would be a perfect deadline addition for a contender.
De’Andre Hunter
After being traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, De’Andre Hunter is still finding his footing in his new home. The 2019 fourth-overall pick is now in his seventh season in the league, and he’s averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the middling Cavs.
Cleveland has taken a step back after finishing atop the Eastern Conference last season but is still 15-12 and only a game out of third place. While Hunter is struggling a bit with his three-point stroke this season — shooting just 30.3% compared to his career average of 36.8% — he’s still an elite on-ball defender who’s capable of breaking out at any point offensively.
Jay Huff
Jay Huff was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Indiana Pacers in July, opening the door for him to take on an expanded role this season. While Indiana hasn’t been able to find its footing after an NBA Finals appearance last season, Huff is currently one of the league’s best values and is finally getting his chance to shine.
Averaging 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just over 19 minutes of action per game, Huff’s offensive numbers are modest. Defensively, however, the 7-foot-1 Huff is blocking an NBA-best 2.5 shots per game despite primarily coming off the bench.
Huff is currently on a streak of 13-straight games in which he’s blocked at least two shots, and he’s rejected four or more shots three times this season (including this past Sunday against the Wizards).
Ryan Dunn
Now in his second pro season after being selected 28th overall in the 2024 draft, Ryan Dunn is stuffing the stat sheet with 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
Though his three-point percentage has regressed slightly in year two (he’s shooting just 29.8% from beyond the arc), he’s already an elite defensive stopper, and his high motor makes him a perfect role player for a rebuilding Phoenix roster.
Ty Jerome
After signing a three-year, $27 million deal this offseason with the Memphis Grizzlies, Ty Jerome has yet to suit up for his new squad as he continues to recover from a calf strain. Unfortunately, the seventh-year pro is reportedly still multiple weeks away from returning to the court.
It’s a very disappointing turn of events for Jerome, who broke out last season to the tune of 12.5 points per game on an elite 51.6/43.9/87.2 shooting split before finishing third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Hopefully, Jerome can return to the court in 2026 and continue showing why he’s one of the most underrated playmakers in the Association.
Kyle Guy
Though he’s not in the NBA, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a Kyle Guy update. After announcing his return to professional basketball in early October, Guy has taken on a leading role for the Noblesville Boom, the newly rebranded G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers.
Averaging a team-high 23.0 points to go along with 6.4 assists per game, Guy has picked up right where he left off on the court, knocking down 38.9% of his three-point attempts through 11 games while flashing his ever-robust offensive bag.
