I spoke with the SDSU transfer forward about his recruiting, what he’ll contribute, and much more.
The Virginia Cavaliers and their supporters have had an eventful couple of weeks, with Tony Bennett and his team acquiring five vital components in the transfer portal: Jalen Warley, TJ Power, Carter Lang, Dai Dai Ames, and Elijah Saunders.
The Virginia fans will need to do a lot of homework before the season starts to get to know these new faces and what they bring to the table. I determined to do my part to help in this regard.
On Tuesday, I got the opportunity to sit down with San Diego State transfer Elijah Saunders to discuss his recruiting, who he is as a basketball player and a person, what he’s heard about UVA’s offensive plans, and much more.
Elijah wore a UVA polo during the interview, and his enthusiasm for being a ‘Hoo was palpable from start to finish. We will adore Elijah Saunders as a player, and even more as a person.
You entered the transfer portal on April 29th and committed to UVA May 6th, what was the whole process like for you?
“I was hesitant when the season finished and we (San Diego State) lost in the Sweet Sixteen, but then I started hearing about what I might find on the portal, such as the schools I could play for and the chances I could have with them. I assumed the portal would provide me with additional opportunities because it was a larger platform in a larger league. I didn’t expect Virginia to be one of the schools I was considering or hearing about.
I was trying to enter and exit the portal as quickly as possible. I wanted to take my calls, make visits, and then commit.”
What schools did you hear from/visit?
“It seemed like I spoke to everyone; there was a lot. Louisville, Kentucky, LSU, Auburn, Arizona, Arkansas, and others. UVA, Washington, Clemson, Auburn, and LSU were the schools that reached out to me the most. Kentucky came later, but I had already planned my visits and wanted to focus on them.”
You visited Virginia on May 5th and announced your commitment to the ‘Hoos on May 6th; I assume the visit went well then?
“Even before my travels, Virginia was my favored option. To be honest, when Coach (Ron) Sanchez first phoned me, I believed he was really genuine. I needed to see it, so I went there and saw it for myself. The visit to Charlottesville was fantastic, and I was ready to commit to it.
Did they take you around Charlottesville on your visit, or did they keep you on campus/grounds?
“Yes, Coach Bennett and I went to First Watch for breakfast.” Everyone was gazing at him, and I thought, “This guy is the man around here, which is cool to me.”
We also toured the facility to see where I would live and other details. JPJ was the most astounding sight I observed on my tour. I liked how the basketball court was always down, allowing me to shoot anytime I wanted. The practicing facilities are also incredible; from the weight room to the recuperation room and beyond, everything is top-notch.”
Who is Elijah Saunders off the court? What do you like to do away from basketball?
“I enjoy listening to music and watching basketball. Right now, I’m totally into the NBA Playoffs. Anthony Edwards is must-see television for me. Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker are more athletes I enjoy watching.
Going to the beach in San Diego is something I enjoy doing and will miss. But I also enjoy playing golf, and I’ve heard that there will be plenty of opportunities for me to do so in Charlottesville.
When you say this is me as a basketball player, what do you say?
“I would consider myself a versatile stretch four. I believe I can guard numerous spots and do a variety of things on the floor, despite the fact that I did not always demonstrate this at San Diego State. I have a nice face-up game, a decent mid-range game, and I can hit threes.”
Would you rather have a fast break dunk or have a block to force a shot clock violation?
“I had the opportunity to block a shot to induce a shot clock violation versus San Diego State, which was a great experience. I’d definitely have to say provoking a shot clock violation because of the thrill it brings.”
Would you rather hit a game-winner at home or on the road?
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“Probably on the road. I had a teammate named Lamont Butler. Obviously, he made the shot in the Final Four versus FAU, but he also made a shot against New Mexico to win the conference my freshman year. The mood in the building has just gone silent. It moved from the loudest location I’ve ever heard to the quietest spot, as if no one was present. “It was awesome.”
Would you rather lock down the top scorer on the opposing team or score on the best defender on the opposing team?
“I would probably say shut down the opposition team’s top scorer, because I believe that is a difficult assignment in sports in general, guarding the other team’s best player. The satisfaction of holding someone below average or getting a big stop against them demonstrates what you are capable of. Anyone can score, but holding down their best player feels great.”
Did anything come up during the visit or during your phone calls with the staff about offensive adjustments/changes for the coming year?
“Yeah, and I believe the recent discussion about Virginia’s offense isn’t really a reflection of Virginia; rather, do you have flexible and dynamic scorers? Our recent recruits and team for next year are just that. We will have players who can score the ball. We will do the same things they did when they won the national title. They had the ability to score back then, and we do as well now.”
On your visit, did the coaches compare your game to a prior UVA basketball player or clarify your role on the team?
“I was shown a lot of material about De’Andre Hunter and Anthony Gill. Those are both four-man players who can space out, score, and go to the rim. After seeing what those guys can do and what the coaching staff did with them while they were at UVA, I am enthusiastic about my job at Virginia.
Elijah will go to Charlottesville in June, bringing a lot of excitement and skill with him. His character, the way he carries himself, and his charisma will be our favorite aspects about him, with the added bonus of him being an excellent basketball player.
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