The Virginia Cavaliers and their supporters have had quite a busy period lately, with Tony Bennett and his team securing five important transfers: Jalen Warley, TJ Power, Carter Lang, Dai Dai Ames, and Elijah Saunders. Before the season kicks off, fans have a lot of research to do to familiarize themselves with these newcomers and their contributions.
To aid in this effort, I recently had the opportunity to sit down with , a transfer from San Diego State, to delve into his recruitment process, his basketball skills and personal background, insights into UVA’s offensive strategy, and more.
Throughout our discussion, Elijah’s enthusiasm for joining the ‘Hoos was palpable, evident from his attire sporting a UVA polo to his animated conversation. His commitment to Virginia wasn’t initially on his radar, but after exploring various options in the transfer portal, he found that UVA offered him a significant platform in a prestigious league. Following his visit to Charlottesville on May 5th and subsequent commitment on May 6th, it was clear that Virginia had left a lasting impression on him.
During his visit, Elijah had the chance to explore Charlottesville with Coach Bennett, including grabbing breakfast together. He was particularly impressed by the facilities, especially the John Paul Jones Arena (JPJ), where the basketball court is always available for shooting.
Away from basketball, Elijah enjoys music, watching NBA games, hitting the beach in San Diego, and playing golf, a hobby he looks forward to continuing in Charlottesville.
Describing himself as a versatile stretch four, Elijah believes he can contribute defensively and offensively, showcasing skills like a strong face-up game and proficiency in shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc.
When it comes to game scenarios, he values the satisfaction of forcing a shot clock violation over a fast-break dunk and prefers hitting a game-winner on the road for the electrifying atmosphere it creates.
Defensively, Elijah relishes the challenge of shutting down the opposing team’s top scorer, seeing it as a testament to his abilities. Regarding offensive adjustments, he believes Virginia’s recent additions will provide the team with dynamic scoring options, akin to the success they had during their national championship run.
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During his visit, Elijah reviewed footage of past UVA players like De’Andre Hunter and Anthony Gill, who played similar roles to what he envisions for himself. As he prepares to join the team in June, Elijah’s blend of talent, character, and personality is set to make him a favorite among fans, both on and off the court.
