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The Virginia Cavaliers will be without sophomore wing Frankie Badocchi when the 2019-20 season tips off in November, announced Tony Bennett on Monday.
Playing Career at UVA Ends for Badocchi
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) August 26, 2019
➡️https://t.co/isSA5tVCCZ
⚔️ #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/n7gQAlpC4h
“It is unfortunate that Frankie’s basketball career at UVA has ended prematurely,” Bennett said in a statement announcing Badocchi’s departure from the program. “We appreciate Frankie’s contributions to our program and wish him the best in the future.”
The University said Badocchi’s decision was due to “personal reasons.”
Badocchi appeared in 11 games during the Hoos’ title season, averaging 2.5 minutes per appearance. His most memorable contribution came during the championship celebration at Scott Stadium with a keyboard rendition of One Shining Moment.
A look back at the sights and sounds of Saturday's @UVAMensHoops championship celebration at Scott Stadium - set to the soundtrack of #GoHoos forward Frankie Badocchi at the keyboard. https://t.co/1MYlK0SVpV pic.twitter.com/n3B9IzAIXM
— Damon Dillman (@DamonDillman) April 13, 2019
This opens one scholarship that could be used for the recruiting class of 2020, which currently ranks 1st nationally per the 247 Sports Composite.