Just like that, the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team has hit the halfway mark in their 2025-2026 regular season campaign. The ‘Hoos claim an impressive 14-2 (3-1) record, which has them at #16
in the AP top 25, #16 in the NET rankings, and #15 in the current KenPom rankings.
Ryan Odom put together a tremendous roster this offseason and has an already talented team improving with each game that goes by. It has been an entertaining first half of the season, and we have been on the baseline for the home games, capturing it through the lens.
Here are my top five photos thus far this season:
5. The Adventures of Cavman
Cavman has been in his bag this season, getting the UVA faithful hype before the starting lineup is announced for the home team at John Paul Jones Arena.
4. Malik Thomas is strengthening his game
Over the past five games, Malik Thomas has averaged 16.2 points and improved drastically on defense. Jacari White’s injury has certaintly been a blow to the Cavaliers, but at least there is the silver lining of Malik Thomas taking his game to a new height.
3. Freshman Phenom
Chance Mallory has been an absolute joy to watch ever since checking in for the first time in game one. His energy is unmatched, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the ‘Hoos claim victory at the end of forty minutes. It certaintly helps that he is a cold-blooded killer on offense, with the handles and quickness no defender wants to see.
2. The Foreign Front
Thijs De Ridder’s 16.4 PPG and 6.1 RPG, and Johann Grunloh’s 8.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 2.5 blocks have catapulted Virginia’s frontcourt into one of the top frontcourts in the ACC. The Virginia uniform will not be their last one, as both of these guys have NBA talent.
1. Putting a turtle in its shell
We haven’t seen Jacari White since this game, but what he did to this Maryland defender will be talked about for years to come. White has been so good this year that an Army of Virginia students has formed in his honor at every Virginia home, even in the ones where he has been injured. White’s return is expected soon, as he is listed as day-to-day in injury reports. His return is crucial for the Cavaliers as they have a tough stretch ahead with three quad-1 opportunities in their next three games. When the senior from Orlando does get the green light, Odom will be getting 10.9 points and a 50% three-point shooter back on the floor.
