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Virginia Cavaliers power forward Thijs De Ridder has earned a spot on CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein's 2026/2027 preseason All-ACC first team, as announced via Rothstein's recent post on X. De Ridder, who was the team's top scorer and rebounder during the 2025/2026 campaign, is joined on the squad by Duke's Patrick Ngongba II and Louisville's Flory Bidunga, among others.
De Ridder showcased a versatile skill set for head coach Ryan Odom's squad last season, contributing on both ends of the floor. With an improved roster around him, the forward could see even greater production in the upcoming year. Players like Chance Mallory are expected to provide additional offensive punch, while Sam Lewis remains a consistent deep threat. These developments should alleviate defensive pressure on De Ridder, particularly in the paint.
Additionally, Johann Grunloh has added weight and become a more reliable interior scoring option. This should allow De Ridder to face fewer double teams and exploit one-on-one matchups in the mid-range area. Last season, especially during the latter part of the year and the NCAA Tournament, opponents frequently collapsed on De Ridder due to the lack of a consistent low-post scoring threat alongside him.
If Grunloh can create his own shot and draw defensive attention, De Ridder will benefit from more single coverage. The recognition from Rothstein underscores De Ridder's emergence as a lethal scorer, with some NBA scouts viewing him as a potential first-round pick despite his age. Virginia fans have long appreciated his talent, but this preseason accolade signals broader national acknowledgment.