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Virginia Basketball Lands First 2023 Commitment from Blake Buchanan

Idaho’s top-ranked player chose UVA over Gonzaga

Matt Newton

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Blake Buchanan, Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball
Blake Buchanan (Coeur D'Alene, Idaho) announced his commitment to Virginia on Sunday

Tony Bennett and the Virginia Cavaliers have landed their first commitment in the recruiting class of 2023. Blake Buchanan, the No. 1-ranked player in the state of Idaho, announced his commitment to UVA on Sunday evening. 

A 6’10” power forward/center from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, Buchanan is rated the No. 1 prospect from Idaho and the No. 15-ranked center in the nation in the class of 2023 per 247Sports. Buchanan held offers from Virginia, Gonzaga, Washington State, and Iowa, but the Cavaliers were the first major conference program to offer Buchanan back on April 26th. 

Buchanan took an official visit to UVA in the first week of May and announced a top two of Virginia and Gonzaga on June 23rd. At the NBPA Top 100 Camp last week, Buchanan had one of the strongest performances and drew the attention of several programs. Currently ranked the No. 107 overall player in the class of 2023, his ranking is expected to rise drastically in the coming months. 

Even with the added interest after last week’s camp, Buchanan stayed locked in on his top two of Virginia and Gonzaga and ultimately committed to UVA on Sunday. 

247Sports' Eric Bossi had this to say about Buchanan after watching him play live in Kansas City in April:

"Buchanan is wiry strong, has good length, runs exceptionally well, and can move laterally. He’ll easily carry more weight on his frame without costing himself athleticism and then he’s got skill to go with his physical tools. Playing for Hooptown, he posted comfortably on either block, scored over both shoulders, showed a nice jump hook, altered shots, and climbed the ladder for an impressive tip dunk."

Buchanan is the first commitment for Virginia in the recruiting class of 2023 and he is a big one. Tony Bennett and his staff are looking to follow up their strong 2022 recruiting class of Isaac Traudt, Isaac McKneely, Leon Bond, and Ryan Dunn and landing Blake Buchanan is an excellent start for the class of 2023. 

Stay updated on all the latest Virginia basketball recruiting news, including offers, visits, and commitments here: Latest Virginia Basketball Recruiting News and Updates

See more Virginia men's basketball news and content: Virginia Men's Basketball on Sports Illustrated

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Matt Newton
MATT NEWTON

Matt launched Virginia Cavaliers On SI in August of 2021 and has since served as the site's publisher and managing editor, covering all 23 NCAA Division I sports teams at the University of Virginia. He is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and graduated from UVA in May of 2021.

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