By Jerry Ratcliffe

Image: UVA Athletics

Ryan Odom can’t help but get excited during practice drills when he observes the speed of his basketball team.

If there’s one thing that distinguishes the 2026-27 squad from last year’s 30-6 team, it’s overall team speed.

Odom discussed that aspect of the Cavaliers during the UVA media day on Friday afternoon.

To read the rest of this article and even more award-winning coverage on the UVA athletics department, including its nationally-ranked football and basketball programs, be sure to subscribe to “Cavalier Exclusive” to follow all of Virginia Sports Hall Of Famer Jerry “Hootie” Ratcliffe’s analysis and content. It’s the best in the business for Wahoo Fans!

   Navigating: Basketball

New Coaching Staff, Experienced Returning Players, Wahoo Women Are Ready to Roll

Head coach Aaron Roussell inherits a squad with five returning players, including guard Kymora Johnson and a host of incoming players.