By Riley Savedge

The sounds of rhythmic, thumping basketballs and deafening whistles fill the ears of my cousin Grayson Archibeque all the time. Archibeque finds himself standing on the courts of The University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena almost every day of the week. He attends every practice, game, and meeting with a significant goal in mind: be prepared and prosperous this season. Archibeque plays a vital role in the UVA men’s basketball team’s inherent success: not as a player, but as the team’s Head Student Manager. 

Archibeque during a game, standing in the white shirt behind the bench. Photo credit: JKDRUMHELLER PHOTOGRAPHY.

Archibeque has fulfilled the role of a manager for the men’s basketball team since he stepped foot on campus as a student in 2023. When asked about the selection process for the role, Archibeque remarked, “From the moment I arrived at UVA, I knew I wanted to pursue an opportunity as a student manager.” Archibeque is a natural-born leader. He was elected as class president throughout his four years of high school at Douglas Freeman High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball for two years and baseball for four years. While at Freeman, Archibeque was awarded the Freeman Men’s Basketball “Maverick” Award for significant contributions to the program. He carried his outgoing personality and leadership skills to UVA, allowing him to form relationships with the basketball team’s staff: “I reached out and maintained a relationship with Ronnie Wideman, my former boss and Associate AD [Athletic Director] for Basketball Operations. I interviewed with him and was fortunate to be offered a position for the 2023–24 season.” When Archibeque was given the opportunity to be a student manager, he promptly accepted it and has since been promoted within the organization. 

While not in the athletic spotlight, Archibeque’s backstage efforts are part of the foundation of the UVA men’s team. Along with his peers and the management team, Archibeque is one of the coordinators of program operations. Some of Archibeque’s daily responsibilities include: “assisting in player development workouts to enhance individual and team performance, coordinating team travel food and meals for the players and coaching staff, and managing the set-up process for practices and games in the gym.”  

Archibeque isn’t motivated by being publicly recognized for his own achievements. Instead, he expressed, “The program drives me to be part of something bigger than myself, to support the team, and carry their values into every area of my life.” As Head Student Manager, Archibeque has a newfound understanding of the importance of serving the community in ways that may go unnoticed by other students and fans.

Archibeque during practice. Photo credit: fm.creative.

Archibeque has adapted to various coaching staff and roster adjustments, transpiring from the effects of the transfer portal and NIL deals now commonplace in college athletics. Former UVA men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Bennett directed the program when Archibeque initially started. Currently, the organization is led by former Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball Head Coach Ryan Odom, father of Owen Odom (‘25). Nonetheless, Archibeque has fostered connections with both past and present coaches and players: “Since day one, the players and staff have consistently treated me and my fellow managers with tremendous respect.” This season, Archibeque has already built strong connections within the program, resulting from their team retreat in Washington, D.C. this past summer. The retreat granted Archibeque a “chance to spend meaningful time with the team in a setting outside of basketball.” 

With preseason underway, Archibeque reflected on the team’s progress and success so far: “We’ve had an incredible summer and preseason.” The four-part documentary YouTube series, “Proving Grounds: Preseason with Virginia Men’s Basketball,” has bestowed insight into the new team under Odom’s coaching. The limited series serves as a gateway into the on-and-off-court lives and backgrounds of the players and staff. 

Archibeque assisting during a game. Photo credit: JKDRUMHELLER PHOTOGRAPHY.

Episode One of “Proving Grounds: Preseason with Virginia Men’s Basketball” aired on Aug. 21, which Archibeque and I both watched. “Episode One was outstanding,” Archibeque stated, “and I’m really looking forward to the remaining three episodes.” The viewers are provided a window into the stories of players such as Elijah Gertrude and Devin Tillis, as well as Odom’s history and connection to Charlottesville.

Odom’s desire to build a resilient and triumphant team is clear, as is the players’ individual determination. Their tenacity and grit is transparent not only on camera, but also to Archibeque during practices: “Our team is full of talented players who are true gym rats, always eager to improve their game. That drive is essential, as you want individuals who commit to getting better every single day they step into the gym.” As a fan, I am looking forward to seeing the team continue with their relentless mindset and performance throughout the season. Likewise, Archibeque is “genuinely excited to see what this group can accomplish because this team has the potential to do something special.”

Archibeque is driven by the five pillars of the UVA basketball program: Humility, Passion, Unity, Thankfulness, and Servanthood. “These values are not just painted on the walls of John Paul Jones Arena,” said Archibeque, “they’ve become principles I try to live by each day.” The role has taught Archibeque discipline, attention to detail, and lessons that extend beyond the court: “Humility grounds me with self-awareness and perspective, while passion fuels me to give my all to every task, big or small.” His devotion is undeniable, pouring his time, effort, and respect into not only the team, but the greater university community.

Archibeque is planning to graduate from UVA in 2027 and hopes to implement the skills and values gained from the basketball community into his future occupation. As an aspiring basketball coach at the college or professional level, Archibeque has been “grateful for the time the coaches have taken to mentor and share their insights.” UVA’s value of servanthood rings true in his character: “Servanthood inspires me to put others first, finding purpose in creating the best environment for those around me.”

Featured image courtesy of Grayson Archibeque.