Nevada’s Nick Davidson listed Virginia as one of five transfer finalists after taking a visit to Charlottesville last week.
The State of UVA Basketball
The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program has undergone significant changes in recent weeks. Interim head coach Ron Sanchez was swiftly let go after the season, and VCU’s Ryan Odom was named as the new head coach.
This transition led to nearly the entire roster entering the transfer portal, with the exception of the two Elijahs. While this initially sparked concern among fans, it’s a natural process in today’s college basketball landscape. Players are exploring their options before ultimately deciding on the best fit for their future. Odom now faces the challenge of building a new roster from scratch, but this also allows him the opportunity to recruit players who fit his system.
The Top Transfer Target: Nick Davidson
One of the most significant transfer candidates linked to UVA is Nevada’s Nick Davidson. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season while shooting 37% from three. Ranked as the 15th-best player in the transfer portal by 247 Sports, Davidson has listed Virginia, Clemson, Notre Dame, Texas, and Washington as his finalists.
Davidson’s Strengths and Playing Style
A True Stretch Five
Davidson’s ability to stretch the floor is what makes him a highly sought-after transfer. He possesses the physicality of a traditional low-post player but has the shooting ability of a guard. His quick, high-release shooting form makes him a dangerous three-point threat, capable of pulling opposing bigs out of the paint.
Davidson’s skill set aligns well with the offensive schemes that Odom employed at Utah State, featuring a five-out system with frequent pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions. His style is reminiscent of a bigger and more polished Ben Vander Plas.
Dynamic Post Player
Davidson is not a black hole in the post; he has excellent passing vision, often finding open teammates when double-teamed. His quick overhead passes allow him to exploit defensive lapses, contributing to his nearly three assists per game.
While not an elite post scorer, he has an effective spin move that leads to strong finishes at the rim. His lack of elite athleticism is offset by his intensity, basketball IQ, and ability to adapt within an offensive system.
Fit with Ryan Odom’s System
Odom’s offensive philosophy leans heavily on three-point shooting and fluid ball movement, which suits Davidson’s strengths perfectly. At Utah State, Odom’s teams thrived with stretch bigs, and Davidson could fill a similar role. However, his defensive limitations, particularly his lateral quickness, could be a challenge against athletic ACC opponents.
If paired with a defensive-minded frontcourt partner like former VCU freshman Luke Bamgboye, Davidson’s offensive prowess could be maximized while mitigating his defensive shortcomings.
The Blake Davidson Factor
Nick’s younger brother, Blake, also entered the transfer portal after previously committing to Nevada. He joined Nick on his visit to UVA, raising the possibility of both brothers committing together. While Blake is currently unrated by 247 Sports, his presence could be a factor in Nick’s decision.
Given UVA’s roster situation, adding both brothers wouldn’t be the worst move. With multiple open spots, securing a top-tier transfer like Nick Davidson—and potentially bringing in Blake as well—could be a strategic decision for Virginia’s rebuilding efforts.
Conclusion
Nick Davidson presents a strong case as a transfer addition for Virginia. His ability to stretch the floor, facilitate from the post, and complement Odom’s offensive system makes him an attractive option. While his defensive abilities remain a concern, a well-structured roster could compensate for those weaknesses. As UVA looks to rebuild under Odom, securing Davidson could be a significant step in the right direction.
I’ve put together a structure analysis of Nick Davidson’s potential fit with UVA. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional details!
