The NBA season is back, and with it most of the former Virginia Cavaliers in the association.

The Wahoos opened the 2024-25 season with a series of performances that helped their teams win. Players like Ty Jerome, Jay Huff, De’Andre Hunter and Ryan Dunn have already increased their stock.

Ty Jerome

After missing almost all of last season with an ankle injury, Jerome played two games for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2019 national champion averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 58.9% (10 of 17) from the floor.

Jerome plays a good role as a backup point guard for the Cavs. The way he can command an offense, create for others and keep the defense honest by scoring goals himself makes him a valuable asset to use off the bench to keep the offense going hold.

The former Wahoo has struggled to find the right spot throughout his six-year NBA career, and injuries have made it even more difficult. Based on the first two games of the 2024-25 season, Jerome may once again have found the right fit for the Cavalier.

Jay Huff

Jay Huff suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies this week. Huff has a two-way deal with Memphis. But with Jaren Jackson and Steven Adams out due to injuries, he took advantage of the opportunity to play regular minutes.

In two games, Huff averaged 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals while shooting 55.6% (5 of 9) from three games.

Huff has been a rare two-player journeyman in the NBA, having found a niche as a good G League player who is an extremely efficient addition to NBA rosters. His performance to open this season could be an audition for a real role with the Grizzlies in the future.

De’Andre Hunter

Hunter had a great game Friday night with 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and 7-for-14 shooting from the floor. He had some ups and downs in Atlanta, which often led to him being subject to trade hypotheticals. But if he can continue to shoot the ball like he did Friday, the former Wahoo could prove to be an indispensable player for the Hawks.

Or should the Hawks attempt to move him, Hunter would be a tempting trade opportunity for a contending team looking to add a three-and-D wing to their rotation.

Ryan Dunn

After a relatively quiet two-point NBA debut on Wednesday, Ryan Dunn clinched the win on Friday night with nine points on three-for-five shooting with three (!!) to go, three rebounds and one assist. He was particularly good as an assistant defender as the Suns battled the Lakers in a thrilling back-and-forth matchup.

He had several impressive stops against Anthony Davis and Lebron James, establishing his place as one of the league’s most intriguing three-and-D prospects. Dunn has a three-for-seven rate on high balls in two contests. If he can continue to be an average (or perhaps above average) three-point shooter, his value to Phoenix will be significant.

Injury updates

Several former Cavaliers have yet to play this NBA season due to injuries.

Sam Hauser is dealing with back pain, which head coach Joe Mazzulsa says is “common.”

After signing a $112 million contract extension, Trey Murphy is out two weeks with a hamstring strain.

Unfortunately, Malcolm Brogdon had to undergo surgery after tearing a ligament on his right thumb. His timeline is uncertain, but it will be at least a few weeks before the veteran is back on the floor.