De Ridder is the Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Player of the Year, per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.
Analysis:De Ridder is coming off an impressive freshman season with Virginia, averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 27.7 minutes per game while starting all 36 contests. Now in his sophomore year, he is recognized as a key player in the ACC. The 6-foot-9 forward chose to return to the Cavaliers for the 2026-27 season and is poised to anchor the frontcourt.
