A New Chapter for Drexel Basketball
The university announced that the Dragons will open the 2026‑27 campaign with two high‑profile non‑conference matchups against the University of Virginia. The men’s team will travel to John Paul Jones Arena on November 3, while the women’s squad will host the Cavaliers in Charlottesville on November 11.
Both programs arrive with momentum. The men’s side closed the previous season at 30‑6, capturing a first‑year coach Ryan Odom’s attention and showcasing freshman forward Thijs De Ridder’s breakout performances. After an 11‑1 start, the Dragons posted a 15‑3 record against ACC opponents before falling to Duke in the conference finals and then to No. 23 Tennessee in the NCAA second round.
Virginia’s Returning Star
The Cavaliers’ women’s team finished 19‑11, earning a berth in the 2026 NCAA Tournament and advancing to the second round before a loss to TCU. Headlining the roster is Kymora Johnson, the program’s leading scorer from last year, who will return for her senior season and add veteran firepower to the lineup.
Virginia’s men’s team also posted a 30‑6 record, driven by first‑year head coach Ryan Odom and a dynamic freshman forward in Thijs De Ridder. The squad began the year 11‑1, dominated ACC play with a 15‑3 mark, reached the ACC finals, and fell to Duke before exiting the NCAA tournament against Tennessee.
What’s Next?
The upcoming non‑conference games promise a clash of recent excellence, with both schools looking to fine‑tune their squads ahead of conference play. Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere in Charlottesville and a test of depth for the Dragons as they prepare for another demanding season. The matchups also highlight the growing talent pool in college basketball, as returning stars like Kymora Johnson add experience and leadership to the mix.