2026 Transfer portal

[VA Huskie]

As I understand it, she is a hometown girl in Charlottesville and daughter of a big UVA fan whose formulative fan era was during the Dawn years at UVA. The Dawn player era included 3 straight Final Fours to launch 11 straight sweet 16 appearances. Dawn is simply the legend of UVA wbb.

When Kymora led UVA to the sweet 16 this year, she, her mom, her city, her team and school’s fans were overjoyed after a long fall from the glory years. But that joy crashed when her coach was fired. Her loyalty to her school wavered in that period of uncertainty with no coach and she entered the portal. She (and her Mom) naturally looked at the coach who is the legend of UVA basketball.

In the end, her interview with her new coach, who is highly respected in Virginia, resolved her doubts and re-strengthened her lifetime of loyalty. She recommitted to her school.

I admire her loyalty which is exceedingly rare in this NIL/portal era and I have become a big fan. Go Kymora! I hope your final season sees you lead your school to the best season since the glory years.( for those who say that UVA increased their NIL offer, I say it her decision was more noble than mere money).

(Note) UVA’s 11 straight sweet 16 appearances from 1987 thru 1997 put them in a rarefied Group of only ten or so schools to maintain that level of national relevance for a decade or more.

I triple like your post!

 

[Dillon77]

In regards to Kymora Johnson and her decision to stay at Virginia, I come with "a little bit of everything," to quote the Dawes song.

- I think Johnson started looking after her coach had been fired and the Hoo's had no one in charge just when the portal was underway.

- She visited South Carolina but they ultimately signed other players instead (hello, Ms. Lee). And maybe KJ went on other trips -- why not? -- but perhaps there was not mutual interest in each other or the terms of agreement.

- Johnson returned to Charlottesville Since she is a life-long UVA fan, she then met with new coach Aaron Roussel and liked him.

Then, there's the terms of agreement that help with the feelings of endearment. Remember, Alexis Ohanian, a founder of Reddit and a UVA grad) is pouring in very large sums of money into their women's basketball program. I'm assuming a chunk of that now goes to Ms. Johnson, so she is probably getting more money at home (UVA) than any of the other schools were offering (S. Carolina doesn't count because I doubt it ever got that far.)

Roussel had one of his Richmond recruits follow him and I believe Olivia McGhee (?) is also coming back.

 

[VA Huskie]

In regards to Kymora Johnson and her decision to stay at Virginia, I come with "a little bit of everything," to quote the Dawes song.

- I think Johnson started looking after her coach had been fired and the Hoo's had no one in charge just when the portal was underway.

- She visited South Carolina but they ultimately signed other players instead (hello, Ms. Lee). And maybe KJ went on other trips -- why not? -- but perhaps there was not mutual interest in each other or the terms of agreement.

- Johnson returned to Charlottesville Since she is a life-long UVA fan, she then met with new coach Aaron Roussel and liked him.

Then, there's the terms of agreement that help with the feelings of endearment. Remember, Alexis Ohanian, a founder of Reddit and a UVA grad) is pouring in very large sums of money into their women's basketball program. I'm assuming a chunk of that now goes to Ms. Johnson, so she is probably getting more money at home (UVA) than any of the other schools were offering (S. Carolina doesn't count because I doubt it ever got that far.)

Roussel had one of his Richmond recruits follow him and I believe Olivia McGhee (?) is also coming back.

As far as I’ve heard, Ohanian (and his wife Serena) made one sizable donation. No amount was ever revealed. So if by “pouring in large sums of money” you’re implying ongoing donations, I’m not sure that that’s true. I would assume that Mo was getting good nil $$ prior to these recent events. Certainly wouldn’t be surprised if she just got more. However, I don’t get the feeling, from what I’ve read locally, that this decision was driven by $$.

Early on, when the firing of coach Mox was announced, I read that almost the entire team indicated that they would enter the portal if things didn’t change. Throughout the season I mentioned that inconsistent play and effort were a major problem for UVA. I didn’t know at the time that there were issues with the coach (other than the staff mistreatment issues that I’d heard about from an inside source). But I often wondered if there were internal team/coach issues. When the inconsistent play manifested itself, Coach Mox criticized the team…every single time! I kept thinking, how can this team dominate a very good ND team, beat an excellent Louisville team on their court - and lose to some of the teams they lost to???

Sorry for the length, but what I’m getting at is that I suspect Mo wanted to stay and felt she had to look elsewhere until she got a better sense of where the Hoos were headed.

BTW - McGee is coming back after missing last season with an injury. And the Richmond recruit following the new coach was ranked 82nd in the country (higher than any recruit Mox got in the last 3 seasons). We need a lot more, but those are good signs.

 

[Dillon77]

As far as I’ve heard, Ohanian (and his wife Serena) made one sizable donation. No amount was ever revealed. So if by “pouring in large sums of money” you’re implying ongoing donations, I’m not sure that that’s true. I would assume that Mo was getting good nil $$ prior to these recent events. Certainly wouldn’t be surprised if she just got more. However, I don’t get the feeling, from what I’ve read locally, that this decision was driven by $$.

Early on, when the firing of coach Mox was announced, I read that almost the entire team indicated that they would enter the portal if things didn’t change. Throughout the season I mentioned that inconsistent play and effort were a major problem for UVA. I didn’t know at the time that there were issues with the coach (other than the staff mistreatment issues that I’d heard about from an inside source). But I often wondered if there were internal team/coach issues. When the inconsistent play manifested itself, Coach Mox criticized the team…every single time! I kept thinking, how can this team dominate a very good ND team, beat an excellent Louisville team on their court - and lose to some of the teams they lost to???

Sorry for the length, but what I’m getting at is that I suspect Mo wanted to stay and felt she had to look elsewhere until she got a better sense of where the Hoos were headed.

BTW - McGee is coming back after missing last season with an injury. And the Richmond recruit following the new coach was ranked 82nd in the country (higher than any recruit Mox got in the last 3 seasons). We need a lot more, but those are good signs.

Hey. I'm all for the 'Hoo's doing well and for the local kids playing and sticking with them.
I just think that Johnson did a smart job of combining loyalties with realities on this one. We should all have that kind of result.
Now, Let's hope Coach Roussel can get some more players.

 

[Bone Dog]

Just a campus side to Kymora’s recent activities. The Charlottesville campus and surrounding community is a very sweet spot. I think it would be hard to give that up for any college kid. It’s like giving up your bedroom in your childhood home. You move out, but part of you stays there, and you are saddened when your parents sell the house years later. I don’t think there are many (if any) more attractive locations.

 

[Rooster C.]

South Carolina is loaded headed into the upcoming season no doubt but I feel like they have a need of another experienced guard. Am I wrong ? Do they have any targets in mind 'cause it seems like most of the better ones are already taken. McMiller maybe ?

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Just a campus side to Kymora’s recent activities. The Charlottesville campus and surrounding community is a very sweet spot. I think it would be hard to give that up for any college kid. It’s like giving up your bedroom in your childhood home. You move out, but part of you stays there, and you are saddened when your parents sell the house years later. I don’t think there are many (if any) more attractive locations.

I love the hills in Va and WVa. Beautiful country.

Love C-Ville and UVA campus though I have to say that I think Jefferson's skills as an architect are a bit overstated.

 

[southie]

Just a campus side to Kymora’s recent activities. The Charlottesville campus and surrounding community is a very sweet spot. I think it would be hard to give that up for any college kid. It’s like giving up your bedroom in your childhood home. You move out, but part of you stays there, and you are saddened when your parents sell the house years later. I don’t think there are many (if any) more attractive locations.

I'm sure it is. I've never been to UVa's campus. And, that may have played a part in her decision. But, I can only guess there are a lot of very attractive campuses/college towns nationwide. Only way to know is to visit several and compare for yourself.

Basketball players spend a lot of time indoors practicing and studying. I'd wager most basketball recruits put more emphasis on basketball practice facilities, locker rooms, and academic facilities than the actual campus and surrounding town.

In the end, as long as a player makes their own decision for their own personal reasons, they'll be happy more often than not.

 

[Bone Dog]

I'm sure it is. I've never been to UVa's campus. And, that may have played a part in her decision. But, I can only guess there are a lot of very attractive campuses/college towns nationwide. Only way to know is to visit several and compare for yourself.

Basketball players spend a lot of time indoors practicing and studying. I'd wager most basketball recruits put more emphasis on basketball practice facilities, locker rooms, and academic facilities than the actual campus and surrounding town.

In the end, as long as a player makes their own decision for their own personal reasons, they'll be happy more often than not.

Sure. I’m not saying it’s the only factor or even the deciding one. But for what it’s worth, I have visited a lot of schools as part of my work and I can tell you that the Charlottesville campus is one of the prettiest in the land. UTA does not hold a candle to it… and I say that as a born Texan. The ones that come closest to it to my eye are UNC, Duke, UC Santa Cruz. I’ll just stop there. It’s not just about architecture or landscaping. It’s also about the town-gown situation. Can you walk off campus and find restaurants and entertainment? Shopping? No one spends so much time in the gym, or the library, not to notice this.

I seem to recall reading that one of Rickea Jackson’s motivations for transferring to Tennessee was the shopping mall.

 

[Bjbod]

Skim Milkey is referenced often. Has anyone subscribed to his/her site to get access to the paywalled content?
I'm not exactly sure how that works. Thanks.

 

[BannerTown]

Skim Milkey is referenced often. Has anyone subscribed to his/her site to get access to the paywalled content?
I'm not exactly sure how that works. Thanks.

As a fan of both the UConn men's and women's teams, I subscribed to the Discord server last year during the portal season and found it entertaining to keep up with as Skim and "Trilly Donovan," her partner on the men's side, broke news about transfers, coaching changes, etc. This year, I subscribed after the season finished, but even though the portal's been hopping and the UConn men have picked up a couple of guys, I haven't been as into it. In general, I find the conversation to be pretty civil on the main board, and there's certainly plenty of information going around. There are also insider boards for each school (or at least each school with critical mass; I have no doubt Iowa would qualify!). That said, I haven't learned anything there that folks aren't already discussing (or aren't about to discuss) on the Boneyard.

I'm not on Twitter/X, but I believe if you go to this link, you can get information about how to join the Discord.

 

[Geew1992]

Justices’ sister will be playing for UH

 

[Rooster C.]

Skim Milkey is referenced often. Has anyone subscribed to his/her site to get access to the paywalled content?
I'm not exactly sure how that works. Thanks.

I have not. You first have to subscribe to "Basket Under Review" and then sign up for a Discord account. Once you've done that you can find her account in Discord and ask to join. Simple, right?

 

[southie]

Sure. I’m not saying it’s the only factor or even the deciding one. But for what it’s worth, I have visited a lot of schools as part of my work and I can tell you that the Charlottesville campus is one of the prettiest in the land. UTA does not hold a candle to it… and I say that as a born Texan. The ones that come closest to it to my eye are UNC, Duke, UC Santa Cruz. I’ll just stop there. It’s not just about architecture or landscaping. It’s also about the town-gown situation. Can you walk off campus and find restaurants and entertainment? Shopping? No one spends so much time in the gym, or the library, not to notice this.

I seem to recall reading that one of Rickea Jackson’s motivations for transferring to Tennessee was the shopping mall.

So, did Kymora state in the past that UVa's campus/town was a reason why she chose to play basketball there? I can't tell by your posts if you're just sharing your opinion on your affinity for the campus, or if she actually has said something similar herself.

 

[ochoopsfan]

This is a good pick up for Utah

 

[Gamecockfan77]

So, did Kymora state in the past that UVa's campus/town was a reason why she chose to play basketball there? I can't tell by your posts if you're just sharing your opinion on your affinity for the campus, or if she actually has said something similar herself.

I think some ideas are getting mashed together.

She and a large part of her family are from Charlottesville is my understanding.

It's logical to conclude that being at home was important to her.

Whether she's entranced by pergolas and the architecture of the Academical Village who can say?

 

[Ladeeeeda]

Just a campus side to Kymora’s recent activities. The Charlottesville campus and surrounding community is a very sweet spot. I think it would be hard to give that up for any college kid. It’s like giving up your bedroom in your childhood home. You move out, but part of you stays there, and you are saddened when your parents sell the house years later. I don’t think there are many (if any) more attractive locations.

I agree that Charlottesville is tough to beat in terms of campus, town and the surrounding area. I know I am biased alum, but I truly find the area just magical! Based on Kymora's interviews during the tournament, it is clear she loves her hometown and it's fans and that connection and support would be hard to replicate anywhere else!

 

[VA Huskie]

I think some ideas are getting mashed together.

She and a large part of her family are from Charlottesville is my understanding.

It's logical to conclude that being at home was important to her.

Whether she's entranced by pergolas and the architecture of the Academical Village who can say?

Mo grew up within walking distance of the UVA “Grounds” (as the campus is referred to). She was a ball girl for the women’s team when she was a kid.

 

[Bone Dog]

So, did Kymora state in the past that UVa's campus/town was a reason why she chose to play basketball there? I can't tell by your posts if you're just sharing your opinion on your affinity for the campus, or if she actually has said something similar herself.

Seriously? I make a casual speculation about a possible motivation and you want evidence? I think you’ve mistaken a fan forum for a court of law.

The point of my post wasn’t to probe Kymora’s heart. It was to suggest that in general kids make decisions based on multiple factors, and not all of them are strictly basketball centered.