Virginia Basketball: Setting 2019 offseason priorities for the Cavaliers

Develop or find playmakers.

With Guy and Jerome both departing this offseason, Virginia is in dire need of some true playmakers for this coming campaign. For the time being, rising sophomore Kihei Clark is the only true creator on the roster and he cannot be the only reliable ball handler and creator. It is for this reason that the program will either need to see substantial internal playmaking development or seek out another recruit or immediately-eligible transfer. This once again ties back to the scholarship situation centering around Diakite and the Hausers but the need is real.

As already discussed, the Cavaliers have at least two scholarships remaining for this coming season with the potential for three if Diakite stays in the draft. And while the Hausers would be an incredible addition, it is likely more important for the coaching staff to land a guard or two to help Clark run the offense and represent another threat from beyond the arc. The addition of Woldetensae helps a bit in this category but adding another perimeter option either in the form of a graduate transfer or incoming freshman makes sense.

If the program is able to land the Hausers, though, they will need to focus on the internal development of potential playmakers. In this case, Kody Stattmann and Casey Morsell could be the developing options. Both players are better suited to function in off-ball situations but have the vision and ball handling needed to be primary playmakers for stretches when Clark may need a rest. Regardless of the direction that the coaching staff chooses, expanding the game of these two youngsters will help the program down the road anyways.

This changes a bit if Diakite stays in the draft as the program could land the Hausers and another guard, but the ideas remain the same.

In the end, Virginia is in great shape moving forward but every program has its offseason questions. With so many talented players leaving Charlottesville this offseason, it will not be easy for UVA to return to national title form immediately next season. And due to the uncertainty of Diakite’s draft decision and the Hauser Brothers transfer decision, it is hard to really determine the direction of the offseason. Either way, you can be sure that the coaching staff will be immediately teaching the young players and working on finding more playmakers. No matter what happens, the Cavaliers will be just fine.