Franklin enters draft, Traudt finds new home; Michigan big man Dickinson could be UVA target

By Jerry Ratcliffe

It’s official. Virginia’s entire starting lineup and two key reserves are all gone.

The last piece of the puzzle, Armaan Franklin, announced Friday on social media that he will declare for the NBA Draft, joining teammate Reece Beekman, who announced similar intentions earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, Kadin Shedrick, Isaac Traudt and Francisco Caffaro entered the NCAA transfer portal, while Jayden Gardner, Kihei Clark and Ben Vander Plas ran out of eligibility.

Traudt announced Friday that he has committed to Creighton after stating he left Virginia because he was homesick and wanted to play closer to his home in Grand Island, Neb.

Franklin, who was UVA’s leading scorer, said Friday, “Thank you for taking in a kid from Indiana and treating him like your own. Charlottesville will always hold a special place in my heart.”

While Virginia lost several players to the transfer portal, there was news Friday that the Cavaliers may get some big help from the portal in Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson.

UVA fans will remember the massive, 7-foot-1, 260-pound Dickinson nearly taking Shedrick’s head off a couple of times while fighting for rebounds in the early-season matchup.

Upon entering the portal Friday, Dickinson was immediately placed as the No. 1 prospect in the portal, while at least one recruiting service projected Virginia, Maryland and Georgetown as the three favorites to land the Wolverines’ big man.

Dickinson, a native of Alexandria, Va., played high school basketball at DeMatha Catholic.

The three-time, All-Big Ten performer averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game as a junior last season, and shot 56 percent from the field. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

“Today is bittersweet,” said Michigan coach Juwon Howard of Dickinson’s decision. “While Hunter Dickinson’s departure is unfortunate, there are so many reasons to be thankful for and celebrate. This young man has accomplished so much in his three seasons.

“Statistics aside, Hunter helped us to a Big Ten title, back-to-back Sweet 16s, as well as a memorable Elite Eight run. These are memories that will last a lifetime. What I love most is he was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, twice. That says so much about his character and maturity. As much as I tried to instill in him, he was a guide and inspiration for me.We wish Hunter and his family all the best in the future.”

One of the premiere big men in the nation, he averaged 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over a three-season span, in addition to shooting 57 percent from the field in 94 games. He is one of only eight players in Michigan history to post at least 1,500 points and 750 rebounds during his career. He alo stacked up 31 double-doubles, 787 rebounds and 1,617 points, ranking him sixth, ninth and 12th, respectively, in those Wolverines categories.

Certainly, Dickinson could give Virginia an element on offense that has been lacking in a true, physical big man and rim protector who can do damage on both ends of the floor, a player who can dominate the paint.