Who's Hoo? Q & A with Christian Bliss
University of Virginia first-year Christian Bliss is a 6-4, 200-pound skilled guard who was named Non-Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Player of the Year after averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in 2022-23. He led George School to its first Friends League championship and runner-up finish at the state championship. Bliss will reclassify from the class of 2024 to join the Cavaliers this fall and redshirt the 2023-24 season.
“We are excited and fortunate to add Christian to our basketball program,” Dean and Markel Families Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Bennett said in August. “Christian is a talented and competitive guard who plays with great feel. His redshirt season will allow him to focus on his strength and conditioning with coach (Mike) Curtis as well as his overall skill development. Christian comes from an outstanding family who values a degree from the University of Virginia.”
Bliss recently discussed the start of his first year with VirginiaSports.com.
Why did you choose to transfer to Virginia?
Bliss: I felt like the coaching staff cared about me and my development as a person and player.
What’s the best part about playing at UVA so far?
Bliss: Being pushed by my coaches and teammates in practices and workouts.
Why did you decide to enroll early at UVA and redshirt this season?
Bliss: I felt like learning the system and getting in the weight room with coach (Mike) Curtis would be best for my long term development and prepare me best to help the team next year.
What can fans expect from you when you take the court in 2024-25?
Bliss: They can expect a winner who will always put the team first.
What NBA player do you model your game after and why?
Bliss: I like Jalen Brunson a lot. He is a winner and knows how to use his body and play at his own pace.
What has been the best moment in your basketball career so far?
Bliss: Last year, winning the league chip with my teammates and coaches was special.
Do you have any pregame rituals or a go-to pregame meal?
Bliss: I like to take naps before my games to get some extra energy. Also, I like to eat bananas or something light so I’m not playing on a full stomach.
If you could play one other sport besides basketball, what would it be and why?
Bliss: Since I was a little kid, I always wanted to play football but my parents didn’t want me to risk getting hurt. I still like watching it.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Bliss: I love to eat food so going to different food places. I also like to spend time with my friends and family.
Use one word to describe your shoe game.
Bliss: Chill.
Which teammate is the worst at NBA 2K24?
Bliss: I don’t play video games so I have no idea. But, I will guess Taine (Murray) because I would guess he doesn’t either.
If you could swap lives with a teammate for a day, who would it be and why?
Bliss: Isaac McKneely. He is always chilling and I would want to see what the country vibes are like.
Who would play you in a movie?
Bliss: Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.) from Power. He is smooth.
