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Virginia Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Cavaliers

By Lukas Harkins

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 05: A view of Virginia’s sneakers. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 05: A view of Virginia’s sneakers. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Tomas Woldetensae | 6-foot-5 | 196 lbs | Junior

As one of the top JUCO additions in the country, Tomas Woldetensae looks ready to be a major contributor from Day 1 this season. Considering Virginia’s lack of depth in the backcourt, he will be forced into a major role but should have no trouble being an impact performer. Woldetensae is an elite perimeter sniper with well-rounded offensive skills. He is fresh off posting averages of 17.3 points per game at the JUCO level last season while shooting 100-for-210 (46.7%) from 3-point range.

Even though Woldetensae will likely come off the bench this year, he should see starter-like minutes. He will be a featured member of the blocker/mover offense with his strong perimeter shooting. Additionally, his size and athleticism on the wing make him a prime candidate to be a solid defender in Coach Bennett’s system. JUCO transfers are some of the most underrated additions every year but Woldetensae is someone that every basketball fan should know coming into this year.

Francisco Caffaro | 7-foot-0 | 244 lbs | Freshman

Francisco Caffaro redshirted during this past season but he should be ready to take on a reasonably sized role this time around. Having practiced all last year, Caffaro should be familiar with Virginia’s system and he will likely be the main reserve in the frontcourt for this campaign. He already brings an impressive frame to the court and was regarded as a top-150 prospect in the 2018 recruiting class by 247Sports.

It is also important to mention that Caffaro showed flashes of his development this summer while playing at the FIBA U19 World Cup. The Argentinian posted averages of 7.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 24.1 minutes per game. He is a strong interior presence and could be a solid reserve anchor to Virginia’s defense. Caffaro’s experience with the program and development under the coaching staff should lead to playing time this season.

Kadin Shedrick | 6-foot-11 | 214 lbs | Freshman

Although Kadin Shedrick is a highly-touted incoming freshman, he will be competing with the aforementioned Caffaro for a role in the frontcourt this season. Coach Bennett traditionally only runs a seven or eight-man rotation and therefore he will likely only turn to one of these two for consistent playing time. For the moment, it seems as though Caffaro will have an edge due to his time spent learning the system last year but Shedrick is quite talented in his own right.

The 6-foot-11 big man is heading to Charlottesville as the No. 68 overall prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. He is well-known as a versatile player with the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He runs the court very well and has a great motor. There is also plenty of untapped potential with his game but he needs a bit more strength and refinement to reach his peak. It is safe to say that Shedrick will be a major piece in the future but might only be a deep reserve this season.

Kody Stattmann | 6-foot-7 | 200 lbs | Sophomore

The same theory regarding Coach Bennett’s short rotation applies to the last two players on this list of key reserves. As a result, it might be hard for Kody Stattmann to really make his mark on the floor. With that said, though, the rising sophomore brings plenty of size at 6-foot-7 and can be a dangerous threat from beyond the arc. He was only ranked as the No. 334 overall prospect in the 2018 recruiting class but this Australian could be an impact player down the road.

While playing for Australia at the FIBA U19 World Cup this summer, Stattmann flashed plenty of his potential. Across his six games at the event, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while struggling with his shot from distance (9-for-41, 21.9%). Virginia might not need him to play big minutes this season but Stattmann could be ready to play a role if the team suffers any injuries in the backcourt. He played 4.1 minutes per game in 18 contests last year.

Justin McKoy | 6-foot-8 | 221 lbs | Freshman

Justin McKoy is in the same situation as Stattmann with regards to competing for playing time this year. The well-built incoming freshman likely will not see a major role this season in Virginia’s short rotation but there is a bright future ahead for the young wing. He already boasts a college-ready body and three-level scoring ability. He lacks a bit of athleticism and quickness but should still be a highly-capable player at the collegiate level.

With that said, though, he will likely use this year to develop his skills before joining the rotation next season. McKoy will have to really impress in the preseason in order to find consistent playing time this year. He is ranked as the No. 229 overall prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. Definitely someone to monitor over the years; his physical attributes are intriguing.

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