With March Madness in full effect, college hoops fans everywhere are locked into cheering for their squads or praying their brackets aren't busted. Unfortunately, our 'Hoos weren't able to repeat the magic of the 2019 season when the Virginia Cavaliers cut down the nets as the National Champions. So UVA, along with all but one fan base, will be looking forward to next year in hopes that it will be "our year." But while everyone looks to the future, we decided to take a look back. So we put our heads together to construct the greatest all-time University of Virginia Cavaliers starting 5 for both our Men's and Women's teams.
The Virginia Guesthouse is the only hotel option On Grounds and the best spot for gameday stays. Check out our rooms here!
The UVA Men's All-Time Starting Five
Guard: Malcolm Brogdon (2011–2016)
The President wasn't just a nickname; it was a testament to the steady, commanding leadership he brought to JPJ. A consensus First-Team All-American and the 2016 ACC Player of the Year, Brogdon was the crown jewel of the Tony Bennett era. He remains the only player in ACC history to be named both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. His jersey #15 hangs in the rafters, honoring a man who redefined two-way excellence in Charlottesville.
Guard: Bryant Stith (1988–1992)
Before the modern era of Pack Line dominance, there was Bryant Stith. He left UVA as the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,516 points—a record that has stood for over three decades. Stith was a three-time First-Team All-ACC selection and the MVP of the 1992 NIT Championship. His relentless work ethic and ability to get to the free-throw line made him an impossible cover for any defender in the late 80s and early 90s.
Forward: Buzzy Wilkinson (1952–1955)
To understand Buzzy's greatness, you have to look at the numbers: he averaged an unfathomable 32.1 points per game during his senior season. His career scoring average of 28.6 PPG remains an ACC record to this day. A First-Team All-American in 1955, Wilkinson was a scoring machine decades before the three-point line even existed. If he played in the modern era, his highlights would break social media daily. He remains a foundational legend of Cavalier basketball history.
Forward: De'Andre Hunter (2016–2019)
Every championship team needs a Swiss Army Knife, and Hunter was exactly that. The hero of the 2019 National Championship game, he locked down NBA-level talent while scoring a career-high 27 points in the title win over Texas Tech. As the 2019 NABC Defensive Player of the Year, Hunter’s versatility allowed him to guard any position on the floor. His calm demeanor and clutch shot-making provided the backbone for the greatest season in the history of the program.
Center: Ralph Sampson (1979–1983)
There is no Greatest UVA List without Ralph. In fact, of the starting 5, Sampson really is the only one for whom there is no argument against. The 7'4" phenom is one of only two players in college basketball history to win the Naismith National Player of the Year award three times. A three-time Consensus First-Team All-American, Sampson put Virginia basketball on the national map, leading the 'Hoos to a Final Four and an NIT title. He remains the gold standard for big men, combining guard-like agility with a dominant presence in the paint.
Honorable Mentions
Jeff Lamp (1977–1981): A legendary scorer who held the school record for career points for 11 years and was a two-time All-American.
Sean Singletary (2004–2008): One of the gutsiest players to ever wear the orange and blue, he earned three consecutive First-Team All-ACC honors.
Olden Polynice (1983–1986): A physical force in the post who ranks among the school’s top ten all-time in both rebounds and field goal percentage.
Kyle Guy (2016–2019): The 2019 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, whose ice-cold nerves at the free-throw line secured UVA’s first national title. We obviously needed representation from the National Championship team, and while Guy could have easily gotten into our 5, Hunter's positional flexibility and all-around game give him a slight edge.
John Crotty (1987–1991): The program’s all-time assists leader, Crotty was the quintessential floor general who orchestrated some of the best offenses in school history.
The UVA Women's All-Time Starting Five
Guard: Dawn Staley (1988-1992)
Widely considered one of the greatest point guards in the history of the sport, Staley was a two-time National Player of the Year and led UVA to three consecutive Final Fours. She remains a symbol of Cavalier greatness, having earned three All-American selections while setting then-records for assists and steals. Her leadership on the floor was unparalleled, and her legacy continues today as one of the most influential figures in all of basketball.
Guard: Monica Wright (2006–2010)
Monica Wright was a pure scoring machine who finished her career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,540 points. A three-time All-American, she was the 2010 ACC Player of the Year and a dominant force on the defensive end, earning National Defensive Player of the Year honors as well. Her ability to take over games on both sides of the ball makes her an easy choice for this all-time backcourt.
Forward: Wendy Palmer (1992–1996)
Wendy Palmer was a double-double machine and the first player in Virginia history to record over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. A two-time ACC Player of the Year and retired jersey holder, Palmer was a physical presence who dominated the glass and scored with ease. Her 1,221 career rebounds remain a school record, and her consistency in the paint helped keep UVA at the top of the conference throughout the mid-90s.
Forward: Cathy Grimes (1981–1985)
As one of the earliest stars of the program, Cathy Grimes set the standard for future Cavaliers. She was the first woman at UVA to earn All-American honors and left Charlottesville with over 2,000 career points and 900 rebounds. Her jersey number 25 was the first to be retired by the program, honoring her status as a foundational legend who proved that Virginia could compete at the highest national level.
Center: Heather Burge (1989–1993)
Standing 6'5", Heather Burge was a towering presence during the program's most successful era. She ranks third all-time in scoring at UVA and holds the record for career blocked shots with 152. As the 1993 ACC Player of the Year, Burge was the focal point of a team that reached the national championship game. Her efficiency in the post and ability to protect the rim made her a nightmare for opposing centers.
Honorable Mentions
Tammi Reiss (1989–1992): A three-time All-American guard who was instrumental in the team’s three consecutive Final Four appearances.
Donna Holt (1985–1988): A defensive powerhouse who held the career steals record for years and, along with Palmer, Grimes, and Staley, has her jersey hanging in the rafters.
DeMya Walker (1995–1999): One of the most efficient scorers in program history, she remains the only Cavalier to shoot over 60 percent for her career.
Sharnee Zoll (2004–2008): An incredible floor general who broke the ACC career assist record while leading the Cavaliers with precision and flair.
Tonya Cardoza (1987–1991): A versatile scorer and elite defender who was a key contributor during the program’s rise to national prominence.
UVA's Basketball G.O.A.T.s
While these starting fives represent the pinnacle of the UVA's basketball programs, no discussion of Virginia greatness is complete without further honoring Ralph Sampson and the legendary Dawn Staley. Sampson stands alone as the only former Cavalier inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his professional NBA career, a testament to the unique dominance he brought to the game. On the women's side, Dawn Staley’s legacy is equally unmatched. Leading UVA to three consecutive Final Fours, the two-time National Player of the Year redefined the point guard position. Together, they represent the absolute gold standard of Virginia basketball excellence.
Welcome to Gameday in Charlottesville
The Virginia Guesthouse is preparing for our own tipoff...our grand opening on April 6, 2026. So next year, as you plan your stay for gamedays, we hope you'll give us a shot, and we'll show you why our hotel is a slam-dunk. Only a 12-minute walk from the John Paul Jones Arena (home of UVA Cavalier basketball), the Virginia Guesthouse eliminates the hassle of parking, wading through crowds, and long journeys home. We can't wait to welcome you and Go 'Hoos!