CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – When Dai Dai Ames lit up Pittsburgh for 27 points last season for Virginia, it was one of the rare times during his single season with Cavaliers when the Chicago native had the chance to truly show off his offensive repertoire. 

Since transferring to California, Ames has been getting that opportunity on a nightly basis.

“We knew that Dai Dai  was a really good player,” Cal coach Mark Madsen said. “You saw flashes of that towards the end of the ACC last year when he was at Virginia, but his game has taken off.”

Ames is Cal’s leading scorer, and ranks ninth in the ACC, going into Wednesday night’s game against his former team. The Golden Bears play at No. 23 Virginia.

UVA first-year coach Ryan Odom said he had a few interactions with Ames before Ames entered the NCAA transfer portal.

“We’re really happy for the success that he’s having,” Odom said. “Certainly, we’re following all the guys that were here briefly with us and excited for each of them and how they’re playing. Ultimately you want to have kids to have a great experience. Clearly he’s found a great home there where he’s being counted on to do big things.”

At Cal, Ames has been encouraged to shoot more 3-pointers, he’s playing a team-high 31.5 minutes per game and Madsen praised his toughness and his on-ball defense.

“I think he’s just becoming more and more comfortable,” Madsen said. “The court is expanding for him. He’s making people around him better and he’s stepping up in big moments.”

Of the 10 2024-25 Cavaliers who transferred to other Division I programs this season, eight are starters. Five are posting double-figure scoring averages. Two are playing for nationally ranked teams. 

Ames will be the second of three former Cavaliers to face their former school this season. Forward Elijah Saunders scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds for Maryland in the Terrapins’ 80-72 loss at John Paul Jones Arena on Dec. 20.

Guard Isaac McKneely and Louisville will host UVA on Jan. 13.

Here’s a look at what last year’s ‘Hoos have been up to with their new teams so far this season.

Dai Dai Ames, California

The guard averaged 8.7 points, 1.9 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers after transferring from Kansas State. This year, he’s the Bears’ big gun, scoring 17.6 points per game to go with 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds per outing.

Isaac McKneely, Louisville: McKneely was the Cavaliers’ leading scorer last season, putting up 14.4 points per game while knocking down 42.1% of his shots from 3-point range. For the No. 20 Cardinals, he’s a starter surrounded by talented offensive pieces including Ryan Conwell and Mikel Brown. Still, McKneely’s scoring 11.6 points per game and hitting 39.8% from beyond the arc.

Elijah Saunders Maryland

Saunders was Virginia’s second leading scorer last season after transferring following two seasons at San Diego State. He averaged 10.4 points and 5 rebounds per game. This year, as a starter for Buzz Williams at Maryland he’s at 7.8 and 4.4.

Blake Buchanan, Iowa State

Buchanan had an encouraging freshman season for UVA, starting 22 games and averaging 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Now, he’s the starting center for the No. 3-ranked Cyclones, putting up 10.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

Andrew Rohde Wisconsin

Rohde, who began his career at St. Thomas before transferring to Virginia, saw a massive jump in his production in his second season with the Cavaliers. He averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 assists per game, while committing just 1.8 turnovers per game. Now, he’s starting in the Big Ten for Wisconsin, averaging 6.7 points, 2.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds per outing.

Jacob Cofie, Southern Cal

Cofie looked like a budding star as a freshman at UVA, averaging 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He ranked second on the team in both blocked shots and steals. Now, he’s a starting forward at USC, putting up 9.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Christian Bliss, Delaware and TJ Power, Penn

Bliss didn’t play last season as he nursed an injury and redshirted. Power was the biggest bust of the Cavaliers’ transfer class. The Duke transfer never carved out a role. Both are starring at the mid-major level now. Bliss averages 15.1 points, 6.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game as a starter for Delaware. Power is putting up 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game at Penn.

Ishan Sharma, St. Louis, and Anthony Robinson, Xavier

Sharma and Robinson looked like intriguing prospects last season for UVA. Sharma, a true freshman, logged 12 minutes a game, scoring 3.4 points and grabbing 1.3 rebounds per game. Robinson, a redshirt freshman center, managed 3.6 points and 2.4 boards despite playing just nine minutes per game.

Both are coming off the bench for their new schools. Sharma is scoring 9.4 points and corralling 3.1 rebounds an outing for St. Louis, while Robinson contributes 2.8 points and 3.2 boards per game for Xavier.