Who’s Hoo? Q & A with Jordan Minor

Graduate student Jordan Minor transferred to Virginia after a successful four-year playing career at Merrimack from 2020-23.

The 6-foot-8, 242-pound Minor averaged 17.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game en route to Northeast Conference Co-Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and All-NEC First Team honors in 2022-23. He led the NEC in rebounds per game (9.4), blocks (59), blocks per game (2.36), offensive rebounds (82) and offensive rebounds per game (3.28), while ranking second in scoring (17.4 ppg), field goal percentage (.519) and defensive rebounds per game (6.42).

Minor scored 19 points along with seven rebounds as Merrimack won its first NEC championship with a 67-66 win over Fairleigh Dickinson. The Warriors finished the season on an 11-game winning streak. Minor was also named to the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) District I Team, as well as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) District 15 team. Minor became the 16th player in program history to score over 1,000 points and pull down over 500 rebounds.

“I think UVA was a no-brainer for me,” Minor said in April. “The amazing coaching staff and winning culture is something that’s important to me. I believe in Coach Bennett’s vision for the team and myself, and we want to be back in the Final Four competing for a national championship.”

Minor visited with VirginiaSports.com before the start of the 2023-24 season.

Why did you choose to transfer to Virginia?
Minor: I chose to come to UVA because of the relationship that I had with the coaches, it was really genuine and they showed me that they care about their players beyond the court. Also, just the history of success that Coach Bennett has had here.

What’s the best part about playing at UVA so far?
Minor: Being able to compete every day in practice and pushing my teammates to get better for the goals that we have as a team.

What can fans expect from you when you take the court in 2023-24?
Minor: Fans can expect someone who is going to give their everything 110 percent all of the time and someone who will do anything to win and is all about the right things.

What NBA player do you model your game after and why?
Minor: I wouldn’t say specifically modeled my game after. But, when I was younger I was obviously a big fan of LeBron (James), but watched a lot of Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and Rui Hachimura.

What has been the best moment in your basketball career so far?
Minor: I would probably say winning the NEC championship last year even though not being able to go to March Madness. It was still a big accomplishment for me and my team.

Do you have any pregame rituals or a go-to pregame meal?
Minor: Usually before every game I like to listen to Rod Wave and try to take a pregame nap at some point.

If you could play one other sport besides basketball, what would it be and why?
Minor: Probably football because I think it’s a fun sport to watch.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Minor: I enjoy fashion, shopping and listening to music, I’m a big music guy and watch movies and shows that are out.

Use one word to describe your shoe game.
Minor: Underrated.

Which teammate is the worst at NBA 2K24?
Minor: I haven’t played anyone but if I took a guess I would say Anthony (Robinson).

If you could swap lives with a teammate for a day, who would it be and why?
Minor: Leon Bond III because who wouldn’t want to be Leon Bond?

Who would play you in a movie?
Minor: Definitely would have to be Spiderman. No questions asked.

What are your goals for this season?
Minor: To bring back a national championship to Charlottesville.