Nine Virginia Basketball Alums Start NBA Season
The 2026-2027 NBA season features nine players who formerly played basketball for the University of Virginia.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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Nine former University of Virginia basketball players have secured spots on active NBA rosters for the 2026-2027 season. The list of alumni includes veteran players and rookie draft selections currently competing across the league.
Why it matters
The presence of these nine athletes demonstrates the ongoing pipeline from the University of Virginia basketball program to the professional level. This consistent representation highlights the school's role in developing players who meet the competitive standards of the NBA.
A total of nine former Virginia players are currently on active NBA rosters for the 2026-2027 season. This group features a mix of experienced professionals and rookie Ugonna Onyenso, who was selected in the second round of the 2026 draft.
The players
Ugonna Onyenso
He is a rookie center who was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft.
Trey Murphy III
He is a professional basketball player currently competing for the New Orleans Pelicans.
De'Andre Hunter
He is an active NBA player who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings.
Anthony Gill
He is a forward playing for the Washington Wizards as part of the current professional basketball roster.
Reece Beekman
He is a basketball player who currently holds a position on the Washington Wizards roster.
The details
The UVA alumni competing in the league include Trey Murphy III, De'Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, Sam Hauser, Jay Huff, Ryan Dunn, Anthony Gill, Reece Beekman, and rookie Ugonna Onyenso. These players are spread across various organizations, representing the Cavaliers in professional arenas nationwide.
Timeline
The 2026-2027 NBA season is currently underway.
Season Trajectory
The success of these nine athletes illustrates the program's role in supplying talent to the professional ranks after the 2019 NCAA championship. Their performance this season will influence the program's recruiting reputation and standing in the competitive college basketball landscape.
Fans can track how these nine players contribute to their respective teams' rotation depth and success throughout the 2026-2027 season. The league status of these former Cavaliers affects roster depth charts and provides a benchmark for the program's developmental pipeline.
The takeaway
These nine players underscore the consistent ability of the Virginia basketball program to prepare athletes for the highest levels of professional competition. Readers should follow how individual performances fluctuate throughout the season as rookies and veterans navigate team roles.
Further reading
For more updates on former Cavaliers currently in the professional ranks, explore our Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Augusta Free Press.
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