Virginia basketball starts the 2024-25 season on Wednesday night, hosting Campbell.
Virginia basketball not only kicks off its season today but begins a new era in Charlottesville. Ron Sanchez is set to coach his first game at the helm in Charlottesville after Tony Bennett’s abrupt retirement, and a lot of questions arose surrounding this year’s Wahoo team, as well as the future of the program. Some should be answered, or at least look a bit more clear, after tonight’s contest.
General Information
Teams: Virginia (0-0) and Campbell (1-0)
Tip Time: 7 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN+/ACC Extra
Listen: Sirius XM 371
What to know about Campbell
The Camels are coming off a lackluster season, going 14-18, 8-10 in the CAA, and getting bounced from the conference tournament in the first round at the hands of Monmouth via blowout. The previous year, Campbell was one win away from winning the Big South in their last year in the conference.
Head coach Kevin McGeehan is in his twelfth year as coach of the Camels. Prior to Campbell, McGeehan was an assistant at Richmond, so he is familiar with the state of Virginia.
Campbell had three double-digit scorers last season, only one of whom is on this year’s roster. Jasin Sinani, the Camels’ leading returning scorer, notched 10 in the team’s lone game this season, a 96-49 win over Pfeiffer University, a Division III program.
The leading scorer for Campbell in the contest was Omar Harris who tallied 15 off the bench. Harris had just played 18 games in his previous two seasons for Campbell, but it seems as though his production might rise.
Terren Frank was the Camels’ only other double figurer scorer Monday night, putting up 10 off the bench. The fifth-year, who previously played at TCU, Vanderbilt, and, most recently, Idaho, went 5-8 from the field.
Campbell used everyone on their bench in the blowout win, which is logical for a non-D1 opening game. It would not be unfathomable for McGeehan to use depth in this contest, but every number will likely not be called.
Latest on Virginia basketball
A lot has been asked about the Virginia basketball program since Bennett retired. Most recently, Virginia experienced the domino effect slightly, seeing Jalen Warley enter the transfer portal before playing a game for UVA. In addition, their lone 2025 commitment has since decomitted, however leaving Virginia as a possibility.
Ron Sanchez is a capable coach. He had some success at Charlotte, where he coached in between stints at UVA. He plans to keep the Virginia basketball culture the same, and defense will still be a priority.
The question of the season did not change with Bennett’s retirement, though. Where will the offense come from?
Isaac McKneely will be the shooter for the team and presumably the leading scorer. He has experience with the system and has shown the ability to go unconscious from deep. Dai Dai Ames, a Kansas State transfer, will be the floor general, and Elijah Saunders and TJ Power are two other transfers who will help considerably on the offensive end.
Virginia also has a few exciting freshmen on the grounds this year. Christian Bliss, Anthony Robinson, and Ishan Sharma can be instant contributors.
It will be a season of growing pains for Virginia basketball, and although there will be plenty of ups and downs, the ‘Hoos should get off on the right foot in this contest.