Virginia Cavaliers Secure Transfer: Thijs de Ridder Joins Program

virginia Cavaliers Secure Belgian Powerhouse Thijs De Ridder

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program has announced the acquisition of Thijs De Ridder, a highly touted 6-8, 231-pound power forward. The Belgian standout, whose pronunciation is “Tess,” is set too bring immediate impact and a competitive edge to the Cavaliers’ frontcourt.

De Ridder joins UVA after two seasons with Surne Bilbao Basket in Spain’s Liga Endesa. His recent performance in the 2024-25 season saw him average 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds, showcasing extraordinary efficiency with a 50.2% field goal percentage and a strong 39.1% clip from beyond the arc. In the preceding 2023-24 season, De Ridder posted averages of 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds on 51.5% shooting from the field and 36% from three-point range.

Beyond his club success, De Ridder has also made his mark on the international stage. He represented Belgium in six games during the 2025 European Championship Qualifiers. His prowess was particularly evident at the FIBA U20 european Championship in both 2022 and 2023. In 2023, he captained Belgium to a commendable fourth-place finish, dominating with averages of 16.9 points and 9.6 rebounds across seven contests.His individual accolades include being named Belgian Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the year, and Big Man of the Year in 2023, as well as earning a spot among Liga ACB’s Top 5 Young Guys in 2025.

Evergreen Insights:

The addition of international talent like Thijs De Ridder highlights a growing trend in collegiate athletics, where programs increasingly look beyond domestic borders to recruit skilled athletes. This global reach not only elevates the talent pool but also enriches the cultural fabric of university sports. For players like De Ridder, the prospect to compete in a high-level college program like Virginia offers a unique progress path, blending rigorous competition with exposure to a different style of play and a vast fan base. This strategic recruitment can provide a critically important long-term advantage for collegiate teams, fostering adaptability and a broader understanding of the game, while also offering international players a platform to showcase their abilities on a prominent stage, possibly paving the way for future professional careers.

How does de Ridder’s skillset complement Virginia’s existing “Pack-Line” defense?

De Ridder’s Arrival: A Boost for UVA Basketball

Teh Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program has officially added Thijs de Ridder, a transfer from Bryant University, bolstering their frontcourt for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. This acquisition is a significant win for Head Coach Tony Bennett, addressing a key need for size and experience within the ACC.The news, confirmed on July 16th, 2025, has already generated considerable buzz amongst UVA fans and college basketball analysts. De Ridder’s commitment represents a strategic move to enhance the Cavaliers’ competitiveness in a challenging conference.

Player Profile: Thijs de Ridder – What He Brings to Charlottesville

Thijs de Ridder, a 6’11” center, brings a compelling skillset to the Cavaliers. During his time at Bryant, he established himself as a dominant force in the Northeast Conference.

Statistical Highlights (Bryant University):

Averaged 12.8 points per game in the 2024-2025 season.

Led the NEC in rebounding with 8.5 rebounds per game.

Shot 58.7% from the field, showcasing efficient scoring around the basket.

Blocked 1.8 shots per game, demonstrating strong rim protection.

Strengths: De Ridder’s size and rebounding prowess are immediately impactful. He’s known for his strong post presence, soft touch around the rim, and ability to alter shots defensively.His experience playing significant minutes will be invaluable.

areas for Advancement: While a proven performer, De Ridder will likely focus on refining his perimeter shooting and further developing his passing skills to seamlessly integrate into Tony Bennett’s “Pack-Line” defense and offensive system.

Impact on the Virginia Cavaliers Roster

the addition of de Ridder fills a crucial gap in the Cavaliers’ roster. UVA has historically prioritized skilled,versatile players,but adding a legitimate,size-and-strength interior presence is a welcome change.

Frontcourt Depth: De Ridder joins a frontcourt that includes returning players like Blake Buchanan and potentially other incoming recruits. This creates healthy competition and provides Coach Bennett with multiple lineup options.

Defensive versatility: His rim protection abilities will complement the Cavaliers’ already strong defensive scheme. The “Pack-Line” defense thrives on preventing easy baskets, and de Ridder’s presence will make that even more effective.

offensive Options: While not a primary ball-handler, de Ridder’s post-up game and ability to finish around the basket will add another dimension to the Cavaliers’ offence.Expect to see plays designed to get him the ball in beneficial positions.

Transfer Portal Dynamics & UVA’s recruiting Strategy

The transfer portal has become a critical component of college basketball recruiting. Virginia’s successful acquisition of de Ridder highlights their ability to identify and attract talented players seeking new opportunities.

NIL Considerations: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities likely played a role in de Ridder’s decision. Virginia’s strong academic reputation and growing NIL collective are attractive to prospective transfers.

Coach Bennett’s Appeal: Tony Bennett’s consistent success and player development track record are major selling points for recruits. He has a proven ability to maximize players’ potential.

Competitive Landscape: The ACC is becoming increasingly competitive, with programs like Duke, North Carolina, and Clemson consistently vying for top talent. Securing a player like de Ridder demonstrates UVA’s commitment to remaining at the top of the conference.

Looking Ahead: De Ridder’s Role in the 2025-2026 Season

Expect de Ridder to immediately contribute to the Cavaliers’ success.While it may take time to fully adjust to the system, his size, rebounding, and defensive instincts will be valuable assets.

Projected Minutes: He’s likely to see significant playing time, potentially averaging 20-25 minutes per game.

Key Expectations: Fans can anticipate consistent rebounding numbers, efficient scoring around the basket, and impactful defensive plays.

ACC Competition: The ACC schedule is demanding, and de Ridder’s performance against top conference opponents will be closely scrutinized. His ability to perform under pressure will be a key factor in UVA’s overall success.