Highly rated star has officially decided to stay local, committing to the Virginia Cavaliers for 2025. The hometown talent announced his decision to join Tony Bennett and UVA on opting for the Cavaliers over offers from Virginia Tech, Clemson, Miami (FL), Tennessee, and Villanova.
He is regarded as one of the top point guards in the 2025 class. According to 247sports.com, he ranks as the No. 3 player in Virginia, the No. 7 point guard in the nation, and the No. 57 player overall.
Hailing from Saint Anne’s-Belfield (STAB) High School, he has been a standout prospect and a target for Virginia for several years. In his junior season, he averaged 26 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Although he stands at just 5-foot-9, few players can match his skill set on the court. He handles the ball exceptionally well, boasts deep shooting range, a quick release, and an impressive array of finishing moves around the basket. This summer, he shot 45% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and an impressive 90% from the free-throw line.
Mallory is a proven scorer who excels at all three levels of the game. He plays with a smoothness and control, using changes in speed and direction to create space for himself. While he may face an adjustment period when adapting to the size and strength of ACC basketball, his skill set suggests he’ll find a way to succeed.
Virginia fans are likely to compare Mallory to Kihei Clark. Though both are smaller point guards, Mallory is a different player altogether. He’s more of a true scorer, gets his shot off quicker, and can knock down threes from deep range in John Paul Jones Arena. However, he will need to improve defensively, particularly in pressuring the ball like Clark did during his time in Charlottesville.
Tony Bennett and his staff must have made a compelling pitch during Mallory’s official visit last weekend, as he canceled all future visits right afterward and chose to stay home soon after.
Mallory is the first commitment for UVA’s 2025 recruiting class and addresses a key need for the program’s future. The Cavaliers will now look to add a forward to complete the class, with top targets including No. 4 ranked Nate Ament, No. 50 Cam Ward, and No. 84 Tre Singleton, who is visiting Charlottesville this weekend.
For now, Mallory is an exciting addition. As a local talent from STAB, he follows in the footsteps of fellow alumnus and Virginia point guard Kymora Johnson. He’s poised to become a fan favorite in orange and blue and could be the ideal point guard to help elevate the ‘Hoos back into national contention.
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