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Virginia Basketball: Tony Bennett adds Francesco Badocchi for 2017-18

By Daniel Benjamin

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett looks on against the Florida Gators during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett looks on against the Florida Gators during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Virginia basketball added another recruit to their 2017-18 class in Italian national talent Francesco Badocchi.

Francesco Badochhi, a late bloomer, announced his commitment to the Cavaliers and coach Tony Bennett late Sunday night via twitter.

The Milan native selected Virginia over Illinois and Wichita State per Scout’s Jeremy Werner. Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Florida Gulf Coast also reportedly had interest in the 6-8 forward. 

Baddocchi spent the past two seasons at Bishop Miege (Kan.), where he led the Stags to a Kansas 4A-State title for a second straight year this past season. He scored 21 points and hauled in 13 boards in the state title game. The two-star prospect averaged 14.7 points, 2.8 blocks, 1.2 steals, 1.8 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game as a senior.

Baddocchi is very athletic with the ability to play either the three or four for the Cavs. He is excellent scorer around the basket and a very good shot-blocker. He can also get to the basket in the half court as well as in transition. In addition, he is a capable passer and rebounder.

If he is going to be contributor for the Cavaliers as a freshman, Badocchi will need to add strength this offseason. He will also need to develop his right hand and improve his defensive instincts.

Badocchi is the third newcomer for the Cavaliers, joining three-star shooting guard Marco Anthony. Bennett has also brought in senior transfer Nigel Johnson. Johnson, who is eligible immediately, averaged 11.3 points, along with 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists, for Rutgers this past year.

Bennett, a terrific recruiter, is likely done adding pieces, though, it is conceivable that he adds another player later this offseason. The Cavaliers have lost three players since the end of season, not including London Perrantes — who will graduate. Marial Shayok, Jarred Reuter and Darius Thompson have left the program to transfer elsewhere.

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With the addition of Badocchi, Virginia currently has 13 players committed to play for them next season. The Cavaliers had reportedly been in the mix for Noah Dickerson. But Dickerson ultimately decided to return to Washington for his junior campaign.

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