Virginia Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Cavaliers

Key reserves

Wing/Guard – Kody Stattmann, Senior 

Kody Stattmann is a returner and a veteran reserve in the UVA basketball ranks that should play a role in the backcourt and frontcourt given his length at 6-foot-7. He made just four appearances in 2020-21, putting up 3.5 ppg and 1.8 rpg. He’s due to play a big role in the rotation given his versatility.

Forward/Center – Francisco Caffaro, Junior

Francisco Caffaro is another upperclassman that’s been in the Cavaliers’ system and should see an uptick in his usage in 2021-22. He’s a 7-foot big man that could be a rotational piece alongside Kadin Shedrick in the lineup given his size and length. He averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.2 rpg across 17 games in 2020-21.

Guard – Carson McCorkle, Soph.

Carson McCorkle is a guard in the Cavaliers backcourt with the door of opportunity wide open to make an impact in 2021-22. He made eight appearances in 2020-21 and shot 40 percent off the bench as a reserve this past season. He’s an athletic playmaker with a high IQ on both ends of the floor of how to be effective. With more minutes on the horizon, his moment is there to seize the production.

Guard/Wing – Taine Murray, Frosh.

Taine Murray is a 6-foot-5 guard that should boost the UVA basketball rotation is a New Zealand native with some international experience under his belt already. He played in the National Basketball League based out of New Zealand in 2019-20, finishing with 18.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 3.0 apg, and shot 43.5 percent from behind the arc. He’s a new face that could make an impact right away.

Forward/Wing – Igor Milicic Jr., Frosh

Igor Milicic Jr. is another freshman name that should make an impact off the bench for the Cavaliers in 2021-22. He’s another player with international experience under his belt after playing at Orange Academy Radiopharm in the German Pro B League. He averaged 13.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 1.8 apg while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. He’s a 6-foot-9 swingman that should be able to play a variety of positions for them given their lack of depth in the frontcourt.