Tony Bennett’s momentum in the transfer portal continues, with the Cavaliers securing their second transfer commitment of the day and third in the last 72 hours. Elijah Saunders, transferring from San Diego State with two years of eligibility left, announced his commitment to Virginia on Monday night, shortly after TJ Power from Duke committed.
Saunders, a 6’8″, 225-pound forward from Phoenix, Arizona, entered the transfer portal recently. He played 53 games over the past two seasons at San Diego State, starting 21 games this season and averaging 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His shooting performance included a 32.2% three-point rate. Notably, he had a strong showing against Washington, scoring 16 points and shooting 3/3 from beyond the arc, and contributed in San Diego State’s win over Yale in the NCAA Tournament.
Virginia reached out to Saunders as soon as he entered the transfer portal, and he visited the campus on Sunday and Monday, ultimately choosing the Cavaliers over Clemson. This commitment adds to Virginia’s recent transfer acquisitions, including Jalen Warley from Florida State on Saturday. Saunders and Power, along with Warley, are seen as vital additions to Virginia’s frontcourt, addressing the team’s need for depth following key departures.
With Saunders and Power joining the roster, Virginia has filled 12 of its 13 scholarship spots for the upcoming season.
