Virginia Star Enters Transfer Portal

Ryan Odom was recently hired to bring supremacy back to Virginia basketball. However, he may have to do it without one of their best players: Isaac McKneely. With its official opening, Isaac McKneely entered the transfer portal early on Monday morning. He will have one year of eligibility remaining. While the opportunity to return to Charlottesville remains, it would appear that McKneely is set to join a new squad next year. So what led McKneely to transfer? Why will he be a highly sought-after player? What are some possible teams that need a player like McKneely? Let’s dive in.

Virginia Star Isaac McKneely Enters Transfer Portal

What Led McKneely to Enter the Transfer Portal?

McKneely was originally recruited by Tony Bennett, who surprisingly retired before the season. Odds are that McKneely would have transferred last offseason had Bennett made the decision earlier. However, he played this season under Ron Sanchez, who Virginia let go after a disappointing season. The Virginia star joined after the huge success of Virginia, so he hasn’t even tasted the true winning ways. While Ryan Odom could bring that back, McKneely likely entered the transfer portal to win in his senior season. Who could blame him? He will likely have big programs that can offer some serious money, too. With no guarantees, McKneely could be searching for a guaranteed championship run (or at least a strong NCAA Tournament season).

Why is He a Top Target?

In an era where three-point shooting dominates, Mckneely is one of the most elite three-point shooters in the country. When McKneely entered the transfer portal, he became a popular target because of that shooting. While he averages 14.4 points per game, a good number for any player, he shoots over 42% from three for his career. Teams who drive to the basket need a player who can help spread them out. If a team is down late and needs a quick three, who better than McKneely? He also averaged nearly three rebounds and assists per game, so he isn’t just a sharpshooter. He can contribute in other ways and has the Virginia defensive pedigree. His experience as a guard combined with all the aforementioned skills make championship contenders salivate. So many teams want that kind of player, so McKneely will likely have a plethora of options.

What Teams Need Him?

Over the weekend, two teams had championship aspirations fall because of three-point shooting. Arkansas stunned St. John’s in the Round of 32 on Saturday. St. John’s finished that game 2-22 from three. McKneely averaged 3.2 threes per game last season, so he would have certainly helped the Red Storm. A few threes would have opened the paint and made scoring easier for their offensive woes. UConn also fell into a similar trap on Sunday in their loss to Florida. While St. John’s hasn’t won anything recently, UConn has that championship pedigree right now. If McKneely entered the transfer portal to win championships, UConn would be a no-brainer.

One always has to consider his opportunity to stay home. However, the teams nearby don’t have the same championship-level rosters. A native of Poca, WV, McKneely could have interest from schools like West Virginia and Pittsburgh. However, those teams aren’t close to winning a championship. Maryland is also nearby and qualified for the Sweet Sixten. However, with Kevin Williard being a potential candidate for the Villanova job, they may take a step back under a new coach. I’d put my money on teams like UConn and St. John’s going strongly after McKneely, but the transfer portal works in unexpected ways. McKneely may transfer somewhere different entirely, only time will tell.