UVA Basketball Coach Introduces New Tradition with Symbolic Sabre
Late on the evening of November 3, University of Virginia’s new men’s basketball coach, Ryan Odom, brought a unique twist to the post-game celebrations. Standing before his team after their season-opening victory, Odom, dressed in a navy suit, held a symbolic piece of UVA history in his hand—a sabre.
To the uninitiated, a 51-year-old man brandishing a sword might seem out of place. However, at UVA, the sabre is more than just a prop; it represents the university’s historical connection to the “Cavaliers” nickname.
Since taking on his role in March, Odom has been committed to embedding his players into the fabric of the university and its traditions. This commitment was further solidified after the Cavaliers’ decisive 87-53 victory over Rider University, where Odom announced a new post-win ritual.
“We want to have something that we do after wins,” Odom expressed to his team in the locker room of the John Paul Jones Arena. “We want to celebrate the wins.”
Following each victory, Odom would bestow the sabre upon a standout player. During this game, the honor went to freshman forward Thijs De Ridder, who impressed with his 21-point, 10-rebound performance. De Ridder humorously attempted to secure the sabre in his shorts, mimicking a dueling stance.
“It’s always funny,” De Ridder shared, “but well-earned when you get that (sabre).”
Cavaliers Carve Their Path with Balanced Team Play
With an impressive 29-5 record, the Cavaliers are preparing to face Wright State University (23-11) in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. The team’s strength lies in its balanced roster. From De Ridder’s scoring prowess to Ugonna Onyenso, the formidable shot blocker, and Jacari White, the dynamic sixth man with a dedicated fan base, numerous players have been honored with the sabre.
Michael Crowder, a UVA alumnus and the team’s director of culture and alumni engagement, is responsible for safeguarding the sabre. “Coach Odom picks who’s going to get it,” Crowder explained, “and hopefully it’s who in that game really exemplified the pillars and what we want to be about.”
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