A Historic Performance from Ugonna Onyenso
CHARLOTTESVILLE — Mike Young, the head coach of Virginia Tech, knew that Ugonna Onyenso, a 7-foot center for the University of Virginia, would be a challenge for his team’s offense. Onyenso’s combination of length, timing, and discipline makes him an elite shot blocker and rim protector.
What Young didn’t expect was for Onyenso to triple his seasonal scoring average and even hit two three-pointers, including the game-winning shot. This unexpected performance helped the No. 13 Cavaliers celebrate Senior Day and continue their impressive season with a 76-72 victory at John Paul Jones Arena.
Onyenso finished the game with 16 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. That’s more than he had scored in the previous four games combined. His performance left Young visibly frustrated during post-game interviews.
“No. 33,” Young said, referencing Onyenso. “Come on, man, gimme a break. Gimme a break, really. The kid makes two 3s and a huge one. Come on, what the (expletive) am I doing wrong?”
As one of five seniors honored before the game, Onyenso entered the day shooting just 7 of 29 from beyond the arc this season. He made two of his three attempts Saturday, including a crucial three-pointer with 1:47 remaining that gave Virginia a 70-63 lead.
“I told myself not to think about it,” Onyenso said. “Do not think about it. If you catch the ball, let it fly. That was my mindset coming into today’s game. Like, let it fly. I don’t care what they say, just let it fly, and turned out to be a good thing.”
While Onyenso’s three-point shooting might not be a regular occurrence, it has become a key part of Virginia’s strategy as they chase March Madness memories. The team has depth and versatility, which was evident in their early leads and their ability to respond when Virginia Tech made a late push.
Team Depth and Resilience
Virginia’s team depth was on full display as they built leads of 22-5 early and 41-25 at halftime. Even when Virginia Tech tied the game at 51-all midway through the second half, the Cavaliers responded with an 8-0 run to secure their victory.
Ben Hammond led the way with a game-high 21 points, while Virginia Tech’s efforts were not enough to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
“Loved how our guys responded,” said Virginia coach Ryan Odom.
Onyenso was the spark behind the team’s resilience. He dunked off a lob from Dallin Hall and forced Jailen Bedford into a running, left-handed prayer in the lane that went unanswered.
“It’s all about how mentally tough you are in that moment,” Onyenso said.
A Seamless Roster
Onyenso and fellow seniors Hall, Malik Thomas, Jacari White, and Devin Tillis transferred to Virginia for their final college seasons. Coach Odom and his staff have seamlessly integrated them with European imports Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grunloh, junior transfer Sam Lewis, and freshman Chance Mallory.
This blend has created a connected and formidable team. At the very least, UVA’s season is trending toward historic on two fronts: coaching and shot-blocking.
Shot-Blocking Legacy
Among Virginia’s shot blockers and defensive menaces, Ralph Sampson is the gold standard. Although his career (1980-84) predated the NCAA recognizing blocks as an official statistic in 1985, UVA’s sports information office charted Sampson’s numbers meticulously. He closed his career with 462 blocks.
With Onyenso and fellow 7-footer Grunloh splitting minutes as rim protectors, the 2025-26 Cavaliers are poised to become the best shot-blocking team in program history.
This season’s squad averages an ACC-high 6.2 blocked shots per game, with Onyenso (80 blocks) and Grunloh (73) accounting for 80% of them. UVA also ranks second only to Seton Hall in blocked-shot percentage at 16.9.
“I really love it,” Onyenso said of forcing opponents to pass the ball back to the perimeter rather than shoot over him. “I love the fear in their eyes when they see me down there.”
Coaching Success
Ryan Odom is the most successful new coach in the five major conferences this season based on winning percentage. The only coach to win more games in his debut season with an ACC program is Bill Guthridge, who in 1997-98 led North Carolina to a 34-4 record.
Odom’s 27 victories tie with Duke’s Jon Scheyer (2023) and Louisville’s Pat Kelsey (last season).
“It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for those five (seniors) that made the choice,” Odom said. “They all in their own way have impacted this place and made the most of their time here, and I’m excited for what’s to come for them as we head into the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament.”
