UVA basketball hosting pair of transfer visitors this weekend

The verdict is out on the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program: utilizing the portal is a necessity this offseason. As we stand, only Leon Bond III has transferred out, which leaves Tony Bennett with three open scholarships, assuming Ryan Dunn will stay in the NBA Draft pool.

The two visitors this weekend represent the most pressing needs on the roster.

The first is a ball-dominant guard, Malik Mack. Coming by way of Harvard, Mack can provide offensive talent in the backcourt that UVA has been missing since their national championship team in 2019. Reece Beekman deserves every bit of credit he receives but he was not the same as a pure scorer. Mack, while certainly sacrificing some defense at 6’1”, could create his own offense and score on all three levels, something UVA desperately needs in a point guard.

Mack averaged 17.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game in his Ivy League rookie campaign. Although he wasn’t the most effective shooter, you would be happy to see Beekman throw the keys to the offense to this guy given the dearth of reliable choices on the team. Without a doubt, he can manage the competition jump. And to address the big issue, Mack has an 81.2% free throw shooting percentage.