A Final Starting Lineup Prediction for Virginia Men’s Basketball

Virginia's basketball roster is finalized with 14 players: seven additions via the transfer portal, two incoming high school recruits, two international prospects, and three players returning from coach Tony Bennett's previous roster. Key newcomers expected to generate early-season excitement include Malik Thomas (West Coast Conference's leading scorer from San Francisco) and international players Johann Grünloh (Germany) and Thijs de Ridder (Belgium). The team could feature four starters aged 22 or older.

A predicted starting lineup is presented, beginning with the point guard position. Graduate transfer Dallin Hall (from BYU, with one year of eligibility) is the likely starter for the 2025-26 season. Hall, standing 6'4", averaged 6.8 PPG and 4.2 APG in 2024-25, and previously started 30 games for BYU in 2023-24 (averaging 9.0 PPG and 5.1 APG). His strengths include three-point shooting (35.3%), crafty drives to the basket, effective play off high-ball screens (particularly with center Johann Grünloh), the ability to stretch the floor, bounce, and authoritative finishing. Chance Mallory (Fr.) is listed as his backup.

Jacari White (Gr.), a transfer from North Dakota State, is predicted to start at shooting guard. White, who is 6'3" and has one year of eligibility, averaged 17.1 PPG and shot 39.8% from three-point range in 2024-25. His backups are projected to be Elijah Gertrude (R-So.) and Desmond Roberts (R-So.).