Who’s Hoo? Q & A with Blake Buchanan

University of Virginia first-year Blake Buchanan is a 6-10, 215-pound skilled forward who averaged 15.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.9 blocks per game last year in leading Lake City High School (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) to the Idaho 5A state championship with a 26-0 record. Buchanan tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds in the championship win en route to Idaho Mr. Basketball, Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps Player of the Year honors. Buchanan earned Idaho 5A All-State first-team and All-Conference honors as a senior and first team All-State, All-League and North Idaho Player of the Year accolades as a junior.

“Blake became a highly sought-after player because of his mobility and versatility in the frontcourt,” Virginia Dean and Markel Families Men’s Head Basketball Coach Tony Bennett said. “He is a competitive two-way forward who has a bright future at UVA.”

Buchanan recently discussed the start of his first year with VirginiaSports.com.

Q: Why did you choose the University of Virginia?
Buchanan: The coaching staff, college town, great conference, great people and great academics

Q: What’s the best part about playing at UVA so far?
Buchanan: All the love and support we get from people.

Q: What can fans expect from you this season?
Buchanan: Someone that works hard and will bring energy.

Q: What NBA player do you model your game after and why?
Buchanan: Hakeem Olajuwon. I love his foot work in the post and the moves he does.

Q: What has been the best moment in your basketball career so far?
Buchanan: Playing for Team USA.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or a go-to pregame meal?
Buchanan: Jimmy John’s.

Q: If you could play one other sport besides basketball, what would it be and why?
Buchanan: Baseball. It’s always a sport I enjoyed when I was younger. I like how low-key it is and the environment its played in.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Buchanan: Playing Rainbow Six Siege.

Q: Use one word to describe your shoe game.
Buchanan: Low key.

Q: Which teammate is the worst at NBA 2k24? Who is the best?
Buchanan: Eli (Gertrude) is the worst and Ant (Robinson) is the best.

Q: If you could swap lives with a teammate for a day, who would it be and why?
Buchanan: Ryan Dunn! Needs no explanations and speaks for itself because it’s Ryan Dunn

Q: Who would play you in a movie?
Buchanan: Ben Affleck. People say he looks like me. I don’t know.