Seven UVA Alumni Played in the NBA 2025‑26, Only Two Reached Playoffs

The Cavaliers’ NBA pipeline produced seven players last year, a increase from the four who saw action in 2024‑25. Last season’s duo of De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome helped the Cleveland Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference semifinals before falling to the Indiana Pacers. This year, the group dispersed across eight franchises, with varying roles and outcomes.

- Ryan Dunn (Phoenix Suns) and Sam Hauser (Boston Celtics) were the only UVA alumni to reach the playoffs; Dunn’s Suns were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Hauser’s Celtics forced a Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. - Jay Huff (Indiana Pacers) tied for second in the NBA in blocked shots per game, trailing only Victor Wembanyama. - Other alumni included Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans), Ty Jerome (Memphis Grizzlies), De’Andre Hunter (Sacramento Kings), Anthony Gill (Washington Wizards), and the aforementioned Huff.

The limited playoff success highlights a gap between regular‑season roster presence and postseason impact for UVA graduates. Huff’s elite rim‑protection suggests a valuable niche role for contending teams, while Dunn’s shooting struggles and Hauser’s spot‑up specialization point to development areas. The Pacers’ outlook improves with Haliburton’s expected return, potentially increasing Huff’s playoff chances next year.