It is not often that a player with First Team All-ACC honors remains with the team the following year. Often, those players head to the NBA after receiving distinguished honors. Virginia has an exception in Thijs De Ridder.
The Belgian forward averaged 15.6 points per game last season (most on the team), shooting an efficient 50.8% from the field and 35.7% from three-point land. De Ridder also led Virginia with 6.2 rebounds per game. De Ridder could be categorizes as a bruiser, but he also contributed 40 threes and 57 assists. There are not many players in college basketball like Thijs De Ridder.
There are also not many players like Nolan Adekunle, the presumed starter at small forward. The German forward is an elite defender and rebounder, who can also contribute as a catch-and-shoot player. Adekunle is a strong fit alongside the core starters De Ridder, Johann Grunloh, Chance Mallory and Sam Lewis.
Behind De Ridder and Adekunle, though, there are some intriguing players who change the whole lineup due to their varying styles and strengths.
Small forwards
Other than Adekunle, Christian Harmon is a strong contender to garner heavy minutes. Harmon, a fourth-year transfer from...
Source: Sports Illustrated