Coach Odom Delivers on Size: Enter Grunloh and Onyenso
After a fast-paced few weeks of roster changes, Coach Odom turned his focus to the paint, landing two major additions that immediately give UVA much-needed rim protection, length, and athleticism.
Johann Grunloh – The German Rim Protector
First up is Johann Grunloh, a 6’11” German big man currently playing for SC Rasta Vechta in Germany’s top league, the Basketball Bundesliga. Notably, he’s been starting alongside former Hoo Jayden Gardner, forming a reliable frontcourt duo for Vechta.
Some of Grunloh’s credentials:
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Top shot-blocker at the 2023 U18 European Championships (3.8 blocks per game), helping Germany earn a bronze medal.
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This season: 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in just 23 minutes per game.
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13 double-digit scoring games out of 33 played.
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Projected 2024 NBA 2nd-round pick before committing to UVA.
In a recent interview with Locker Room Access, Grunloh described himself as a rim protector who can also stretch the floor and contribute offensively. He highlighted his ability to:
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Pick and pop
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Shoot from deep
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Pass well out of the post
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Excel in the pick-and-roll
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Run the floor in transition
Grunloh seems like a tailor-made fit for Coach Odom’s up-tempo, spacing-focused style—a big who can do more than just hold down the paint.
Ugonna Onyenso – SEC Size & Experience
Joining Grunloh in the frontcourt is Ugonna Onyenso, a 4-star prospect out of high school who spent time at Kentucky and Kansas State. At Kentucky last season, Onyenso posted:
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3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and an impressive 2.8 blocks per game
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All in just 19 minutes per contest
That kind of shot-blocking rate is elite, and his presence gives UVA a legitimate rim protector to pair or rotate with Grunloh.
Updated UVA Basketball Roster (As of Now)
Here’s how the roster is shaping up after these recent additions:
Point Guards:
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Dallin Hall
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Chance Mallory
Shooting Guards:
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Jacari White
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Elijah Gertrude
Small Forward:
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Sam Lewis
Power Forwards:
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Devin Tillis
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Silas Barksdale
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Martin Carrere
Centers:
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Johann Grunloh
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Ugonna Onyenso
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Carter Lang
Jeff’s Projected Starting Lineup
With more additions likely on the way, this lineup could change. But if the season started today, here’s what it might look like:
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PG: Dallin Hall (with Chance Mallory getting solid minutes)
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SG: Jacari White (or Elijah Gertrude, if fully healthy—his game could thrive in Odom’s system)
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SF: Sam Lewis
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PF: Devin Tillis (backed by Barksdale or possibly a future transfer)
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C: Johann Grunloh (with Onyenso playing a key rotational role)
There are still questions about how quickly this team can gel, which is understandable in the new age of NIL and the transfer portal. Each offseason brings a near-complete reset, and chemistry becomes the biggest X-factor. But on paper, this team has athleticism, length, and a modern style of play that could give the ACC some trouble.
The Verdict: Odom’s Vision Is Taking Shape
Coach Odom clearly has a plan, and it’s starting to show. He’s building a team that fits his style of play—fast, versatile, and tough on defense. With a few more additions, possibly another forward and a G/F hybrid, the Hoos could be looking at a deeper, more balanced roster than we’ve seen in recent years.
More to Come
Stay tuned for a separate breakdown on Coach Elliott and the busy offseason for UVA Football—it’s been a whirlwind there, too.
Also, make sure to subscribe to The Cavalier Connection Podcast for new interviews and updates each week. Big names, big insights, and all things Hoos!
As always—Go Hoos!