Class of 2025 recruit Chance Mallory officially decommitted from the men's basketball program Tuesday — a decision which comes just days after former coach Tony Bennett retired. While Mallory is keeping his options open, it is still possible that he returns to the Cavaliers although that prospect may be unlikely.
To make matters worse, senior guard Jalen Warley announced his entry into the transfer portal hours earlier. Losing both Warley and Mallory is an absolute gut punch for Virginia, and a sign that more players could decide to step away from the program in the coming days.
Interim Coach Ron Sanchez has yet to comment on Mallory’s decommitment.
Mallory, a Charlottesville native, is a top-50 recruit in the 2025 class — and had previously committed to Virginia Sept. 20.
Before initially choosing the Cavaliers, Mallory considered offers from a host of programs, including Virginia Tech, Villanova, Clemson, Miami and Tennessee. Mallory is the seventh ranked point guard prospect in his class and should draw plenty of attention from potential suitors.
Mallory’s decommitment is especially surprising considering he is close with the family of Associate Head Coach Jason Williford. There is still a reality in which Mallory returns to play for his hometown Cavaliers, but for the time being, Virginia fans have endured an incredibly frustrating Tuesday.
Current players still have until Nov. 16 to transfer after Bennett’s retirement.
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