Virginia Basketball Recruiting Update: Hoos Extend New Offer In 2021

The primary recruiting focus for the University of Virginia men’s basketball program is on the class of 2021. The Hoos hosted two top targets from this class on officials in September and head coach Tony Bennett just extended a new scholarship offer to another high school junior prospect. Before checking in on 2021, though, let’s take a look at the latest class of 2020 news.

Abdur-Rahim headlines Virginia basketball’s 2020 Class, which is rated no. 5 in the nation by Rivals and 247Sports. ~ Photo courtesy of Abdur-Rahim.

The Virginia men’s basketball class of 2020, which consists of point guard Reece Beekman, shooting guard Carson McCorkle, and wing Jabri Abdur-Rahim, remains a top-five class as rated by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Both national recruiting outlets ranks UVA’s commitment haul as the no. 5 group in the nation.

In August another scholarship spot opened up for Virginia in 2020-21 when Francesco Badocchi left the basketball program. The Hoos extended a new scholarship offer to Huntington Prep (W.V.) senior forward Jaemyn Brakefield on September 24; however, the recruitment was short lived as Brakefield verbally committed to Duke on October 4. Another previous Virginia target, Richmond (VA) native Henry Coleman III, pledged to the Blue Devils on September 27.

So Virginia sits with one scholarship available in 2020 recruiting, but at this point it looks unlikely that the Hoos will add anyone else prior to the November Early Signing Period (Nov. 13-20). I fully expect head coach Tony Bennett to be on the lookout for another prospect, whether it’s a high school recruit or a transfer, to add next spring. Examining the projected 2020-21 roster, an athletic forward or post prospect would seem the likeliest positions the Cavaliers would pursue.

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