Virginia Basketball Players Returned to Roster

Multiple key players chose to stay with the Cavaliers for the upcoming season.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive sports illustration in navy and orange, depicting Virginia basketball players in a dynamic mid-action play on a court. — Several key Virginia Cavaliers basketball players have committed to returning for the upcoming season, aiming to build on the team's previous campaign success. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Following a 30-6 season that ended in a second-round NCAA tournament loss to Tennessee, several core members of the Virginia basketball team elected to return to the roster. This group aims to accomplish unfinished goals from the previous campaign.

Why it matters

The return of established players provides the team with a functional knowledge of the program's system. This experience is expected to help integrate new roster additions as the team prepares to be a potential preseason top-10 squad.

The Virginia basketball team finished the prior season with a 30-6 record. Their season concluded with a 79-72 loss to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

The players

Sam Lewis

He is a key player who transferred to the University of Virginia from Toledo prior to the previous season.

Chance Mallory

He is a returning player who first joined the Cavaliers as a freshman.

Thijs De Ridder

He is a core member of the Virginia basketball team who decided to return for another season.

Johann Grunloh

He is a returning player providing continuity to the Virginia basketball roster.

Elijah Gertrude

He is one of the players who elected to remain on the roster for the upcoming season.

The details

Sam Lewis, Thijs De Ridder, Johann Grunloh, and Chance Mallory are among the key players returning to the program. They are joined on the roster by Elijah Gertrude, Martin Carrere, and Silas Barksdale, who all made individual decisions to continue playing for the team.

The 2018 UMBC upset of Virginia remains a notable historical reference.
The 2018-19 season marked a successful period for the Cavaliers.
The ACC Tipoff preseason media event took place in October 2026.
Virginia plays Drexel to open the season on November 3.

Season Trajectory

This core group of returning players significantly alters the team's outlook and competitive balance heading into the season. The continuity helps the Cavaliers position themselves as a legitimate preseason top-10 contender.

The return of these seven players solidifies the starting rotation and primary depth chart for the season opener against Drexel. This consistency allows the coaching staff to rely on established system knowledge rather than starting from scratch with a new lineup.

The takeaway

Maintaining roster continuity is a proven strategy for programs looking to build upon a strong 30-win season. Players returning for unfinished goals often provide the leadership necessary to navigate the challenges of the upcoming non-conference and ACC schedules.