Ahead of the 2026-27 season, we will compare Virginia's starting lineup with the rest of the ACC. The Cavalier starters have yet to be finalized, but four of the five are essentially locks to take the floor first (Chance Mallory, Sam Lewis, Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grunloh).
The five on five series begins with Duke, which beat Virginia in the 2026 ACC Tournament Championship Game and went on to lose to UConn in the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils also defeated the Cavaliers in Durham, N.C. during the regular season.
This time around, Virginia and Duke play twice during the regular season – one home and one away – and always have a chance to meet in the ACC Tournament. Here is how these ACC titans stack up at this current moment.
PG: Chance Mallory (So.) versus Cayden Boozer (So.)
Mallory's 2025-26: 0 GS, 36 GP, 24.1 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.7 RPG, 42.2% FG, 34.5% 3PT
Boozer's 2025-26: 11 GS, 38 GP, 22.9 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.3 RPG, 50.0% FG, 30.3% 3PT
Duke could opt to start senior Caleb Foster – but if the goal is to have a facilitator at point guard, then Boozer would be the better play. Regardless, Mallory flashed incredible potential last season and should have a slight advantage over either player. The only caveat is that the Blue Devils clearly win the size battle, which could impact the entire matchup.
Advantage: Virginia
SG: Jurian Dixon (R-Jr.) versus John Blackwell (Sr.)
Dixon's 2025-26 (UC Irvine): 35 GS, 35 GP, 30.4 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, 3.6 RPG, 43.0% FG, 38.5% 3PT
Blackwell's 2025-26 (Wisconsin): 34 GS, 34 GP, 33.7 MPG, 19.1 PPG, 2.3 APG, 5.1 RPG, 43.0% FG, 38.9% 3PT
There are several contenders to earn the final starting spot alongside Virginia's four primary returners. Dixon could be an option – he was First Team All-Big West last season, and before that, he was the Big West Freshman of the Year. Even so, Duke has a massive advantage with Blackwell.
A major transfer acquisition, Blackwell earned a litany of All-Big Ten honors with Wisconsin. He is a true No. 1 scorer who can hold his own defensively and is willing to dive for the basketball. Expect him to be one of Duke's most important players this season.
Advantage: Duke
SF: Sam Lewis (Sr.) versus Dame Sarr (So.)
Lewis' 2025-26: 35 GS, 36 GP, 25.4 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 1.4 APG, 3.6 RPG, 45.5% FG, 40.3% 3PT
Sarr's 2025-26: 30 GS, 38 GP, 23.5 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 1.1 APG, 3.8 RPG, 40.4% FG, 32.2% 3PT
Simply looking at these statistics, Lewis appears to be the superior player. However, Sarr's elite defense must be accounted for (2025-26 ACC All-Defensive Team). With that in mind, this matchup is more even than some would think. Virginia should still probably have a slight advantage, but this is most likely an even matchup.
Advantage: Even
PF: Thijs De Ridder (So.) versus Cameron Williams (Fr.)
De Ridder's 2025-26: 36 GS, 36 GP, 27.7 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 1.6 APG, 6.2 RPG, 50.8% FG, 35.7% 3PT
Williams is one of the top recruits in the country. He has superstar potential, but will have to prove himself at the collegiate level. Conversely, De Ridder was awarded First Team All-ACC honors and is regarded as one of the best players in the conference. The Cavaliers should have a significant advantage with De Ridder's experience, muscle and scoring capabilities.
Advantage: Virginia
C: Johann Grunloh (So.) versus Patrick Ngongba II (Jr.)
Grunloh's 2025-26: 36 GS, 36 GP, 21.0 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 0.6 APG, 5.2 RPG, 53.3% FG, 35.0% 3PT
Ngongba's 2025-26: 28 GS, 32 GP, 21.9 MPG, 10.1 PPG, 2.0 APG, 5.8 RPG, 60.6% FG, 25.8% 3PT
This is one of the most fascinating matchups to watch between these two teams. Both players have some versatility to their game – in different ways – but the key difference may be Ngongba's physicality. He is 12 pounds heavier than Grunloh and won the previous battle between the two centers.
If Grunloh has added some muscle and plays more minutes now that Ugo Onyenso is gone, perhaps this battle will go Virginia's way. For now, though, the Blue Devils have a slight advantage.
Advantage: Duke
Verdict: Even
Virginia and Duke should both be regarded as top-10 teams. The difference may come down to a home crowd, bench play and team health. These are clearly the top two teams in the ACC heading into the 2026-27 season, and each matchup should be primetime television.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/virginia as Five on five: Does Virginia basketball have an advantage over Duke?.