Incoming UVA Big Man Johann Grünloh Named One of CBB's Top International Players

Virginia Basketball made a huge (no pun intended) addition towards the end of April when international big man Johann Grunloh committed to the Cavaliers and is set to be a big part of Ryan Odom's first team in Charlottesville. Grunloh was a potential NBA prospect who could have entered the draft, but he instead is coming to play in the ACC and hopefully get UVA back in ACC contention.

He is already getting some hype as we head into the summer. 247Sports analyst Grant Hughes recently ranked the top ten international players in college basketball for this season and Grunloh was sitting at No. 4 behind Duke guard Dame Sarr, Neoklis Avdalas, and North Carolina forward Luka Bogavac.

"Johann Grunloh is poised to make an early impact at Virginia next season under new coach Ryan Odom.

Grunloh is coming off a standout season with SC Rasta Vechta of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Germany's top league. The 6-foot-11 stretch big averaged 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He took nearly half of his total field goal attempts (154) from behind the arc and connected on 26 of 76 (34.5%) of his 3-point attempts.

"Grunloh is a 6-foot-11, 220-pound center who can drill 3s and protect the rim," Trotter said. "That's the sell right there.

"He also offers appeal as a decision-maker out of pick-and-rolls who can pick apart scrambling defenses and find the open man.

"Grunloh is likely best-suited playing drop coverage defensively where he can loom around the rim. He can be a bit stiff on the perimeter. Lateral movement is not a major strength yet. But that stretch-5 archetype who can pass and shoot is so vital."

Team fit: "Grunloh is probably the splashiest addition in Ryan Odom's first class," said Jacquie Franciulli of Wahoos247. "He filled UVA's most urgent need and is also potentially a prospect that could be with the Cavaliers long term.

"Grunloh's 3-point game improved this past year, shooting at 36%. He finishes well around the basket and averages 1.8 blocks per game. His ability to block shots is in addition to being a solid rebounder. He is quick for an athlete his size, and his size and athleticism will be a big advantage for UVA."

Our own Aidan Baller broke down his commitment a few weeks ago and described the kind of impact he could have for Virginia this season:

"ESPN lists Grünloh as a projected 2nd-round pick, a massive acquisition by Odom and his staff.