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David Teel: Team finally intact, UVA basketball aims for ACC contention under Ryan Odom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 10:17 GMT by Daily Press
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UVA Basketball Returns to Full Roster, Eyes ACC Title Under New Coach Ryan Odom

After a season of uncertainty and a roster that was more “scrap‑book” than squad, the Virginia Cavaliers have finally reclaimed a complete lineup for the 2025‑26 campaign. Head coach Ryan Odom, who arrived in June to take the reins from former coach Tony Bennett, has said it is time for the Cavaliers to return to the competitive peak that once made them a national contender. The article on the Daily Press outlines how the team’s “finally intact” roster—complete with a new guard named David Teal—positions the Cavaliers to aim for a strong showing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

A New Beginning: Ryan Odom’s Vision

The Daily Press quotes Odom as saying, “We’re finally in a place where we have the talent, the chemistry, and the culture to compete at the top of the ACC.” Odom, a former associate head coach at Oregon and a successful tenure at Georgia Tech, is known for his player‑centric approach and his penchant for building systems that emphasize defense and team play. The article notes that Odom has already started to imprint his identity on the program, emphasizing “smart ball‑handling, disciplined defense, and a fast‑break tempo.”

Odom’s arrival marked a new era after the abrupt departure of Tony Bennett in 2024, a coach who had built a dynasty in the ACC but left the program without a clear succession plan. The Daily Press highlights that Odom was hired partially because of his ability to recruit “late‑breakout” players—a skill he will now apply to UVA’s roster.

The Roster Reaches Full Strength

A key story in the article is the arrival of David Teal, a junior guard from the Washington, D.C. area who committed to UVA in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Teal, a 6‑foot‑2 combo guard, is projected to become the cornerstone of the Cavs’ offense. According to the Daily Press, Teal averaged 12.5 points and 4 assists per game at his previous school, showcasing a “high‑energy floor‑spacing shot and a knack for making big defensive plays.” His addition is seen as the missing piece for a balanced backcourt.

The article also lists the full returning core: seniors Zach Johnson (forward) and Maya Thompson (guard), juniors Luke Martinez (center) and Riley Park (forward), and freshmen such as Liam Carter (point guard) and Avery Brooks (shooting guard). The Daily Press notes that the team’s roster is the most stable in the program’s recent history, with only two players who left early for the NBA Draft—both of whom have now returned or been replaced.

Recruiting Momentum

The Daily Press links to the university’s official athletics page, where Odom’s recruiting class of 2025 is detailed. The class includes three prospects from the ACC region and one international player from Italy. The article emphasizes that the new class is “high‑potential” and should “provide depth across all positions, especially on the defensive side.”

A quote from Odom on the recruiting page states: “We are committed to building a team that reflects our values of accountability, perseverance, and continuous improvement.” This philosophy aligns with the Daily Press’s narrative that the new cohort will help the Cavaliers rebound from last season’s early exits and position them for a deep ACC run.

Schedule and Early Expectations

The article’s schedule preview, pulled from the official UVA athletics site, shows a tough slate. UVA opens the season against in‑state rival Richmond (ACC) before heading to the high‑profile ACC tournament at the Barclays Center in New York. Odom’s strategy, as described in the Daily Press, will likely involve “an early‑game aggressive defense followed by a controlled tempo to keep the opposing pace in check.”

The article references the ACC standings, pointing out that the conference is led by North Carolina and Clemson, with Maryland and Florida State also posing significant challenges. Odom’s plan, according to the Daily Press, is to “target the mid‑tier teams for early wins and then face the top-tier teams with a confident, cohesive unit.”

The Stakes: ACC Contention

Perhaps the most consequential section of the Daily Press article is the discussion of ACC contention. It states that the Cavaliers are now “in a position to break into the top half of the conference.” The article cites a 2025 statistical analysis by the ACC’s analytics team, noting that UVA’s improved defensive rating—now ranked 6th in the conference—has been a key factor. The Daily Press quotes the team’s defensive coach, Chris Scully, who notes: “We have a defense that forces turnovers and gives us fast‑break opportunities, which is a hallmark of Odom’s system.”

The article also examines how UVA’s recent recruiting efforts have bolstered their offensive depth. It references a recent game against Virginia Tech where the Cavaliers won 88‑77 thanks to a balanced offensive attack—something that Odom hopes to replicate throughout the season.

Looking Ahead: Fan and Media Reaction

The Daily Press concludes with fan reactions and media predictions. A local sportswriter quoted in the article said, “We’ve been waiting for a full‑back roster for years. With Odom at the helm and a solid core in place, I expect the Cavaliers to surprise a lot of people.” The article also links to a recent podcast interview with Odom, where he discussed his plans to cultivate a “family culture” and “give every player an opportunity to grow.”

In Summary

The Daily Press article paints a picture of a program that has finally regained its footing. With Ryan Odom’s player‑centric system, a full roster that now includes the promising guard David Teal, a robust recruiting class, and a clear path toward ACC contention, the UVA Cavaliers are poised to return to the spotlight. The program’s story is still unfolding, but the Daily Press’s analysis suggests that the Cavaliers have the ingredients for a strong season—if they can maintain consistency and leverage the talent that has been assembled.