Hometown Hero Commits to UVA: Chance Mallory Joins the Cavaliers in 2025
Chance Mallory, a standout point guard from Saint Anne's-Belfield (STAB) High School, has officially committed to the University of Virginia (UVA) for the 2025 season. The hometown talent chose to stay local, turning down offers from Virginia Tech, Clemson, Miami (FL), Tennessee, and Villanova to join Tony Bennett's Cavaliers.Unlocking the Potential of a Homegrown Talent
A Rising Star in the 2025 Class
Mallory is widely regarded as one of the most talented point guards in the 2025 recruiting class. According to 247sports.com, he is the No. 3 player in the state of Virginia, the No. 7 Point Guard in the country, and the No. 57 player in the nation. His impressive resume and potential have made him a highly sought-after prospect.Showcasing His Versatile Skillset
During his junior year at STAB, Mallory averaged an impressive 26 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game, and 4.8 assists per game. His well-rounded performance has been on full display throughout the summer, where he has been showcasing his one-of-a-kind talent with Team Thrill.Overcoming Size Limitations with Elite Skill
Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9, Mallory has proven that he can more than hold his own on the basketball court. He is a certified scorer who can get it done at all three levels, showcasing silky-smooth moves, reliable ball-handling, and a deep shooting range. Mallory's ability to create space and finish around the rim is a testament to his exceptional skill set.Comparisons to a Cavalier Great
The immediate comparison that UVA fans will make for Mallory is to former Cavalier point guard Kihei Clark. While they share the similarity of being small point guards, Mallory is a completely different player. He is a more prolific scorer, with a quicker release and the ability to hit deep three-pointers. However, like Clark, Mallory will need to focus on improving his defensive intensity to thrive in the ACC.Securing the Point Guard of the Future
Tony Bennett and his coaching staff must have made a compelling pitch to Mallory during his official visit to Virginia. The talented point guard canceled all future visits and committed to the Cavaliers shortly after, becoming UVA's first commitment in the 2025 recruiting class. Mallory's decision to stay home and join the Cavaliers fills a crucial hole in the program's recruiting plans for the future.Completing the 2025 Recruiting Class
With Mallory's commitment secured, the Cavaliers will now turn their attention to securing a forward to round out the 2025 recruiting class. Top targets such as Nate Ament (No. 4 ranked 2025 prospect), Cam Ward (No. 50 ranked), and Tre Singleton (scheduled to visit Charlottesville this weekend) are the names to watch as UVA looks to build a well-balanced roster for the future.A Homecoming for a Hometown Hero
Mallory's decision to join the Cavaliers is a homecoming for the Charlottesville native, following in the footsteps of fellow STAB product and Virginia point guard Kymora Johnson. The talented point guard is poised to become a fan favorite in the orange and blue, and could be the perfect player to help lead the Cavaliers back to consistent national contention.