Virginia Basketball Recruiting: Biggest Competition for Top 2016 Targets

Virginia's success in recent seasons could be paying off in a big way on the recruiting trail, specifically for the 2016 class. Currently, the Cavaliers have commitments from a pair of 4-star guards—Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome—and 4-star forward Jay Huff, but things could be getting even better for the Hoos.

As expected, Austin Nichols—who played the last two seasons for Memphis—visited Charlottesville last weekend and made it official: He is transferring to UVA and will be eligible in 2015-16, per Whitey Reid of the Daily Progress. Nichols will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. 

But is that all for the Hoos, or will they continue to try and lock up another prized recruit or two?

Head coach Tony Bennett has Virginia in the mix with several talented big men, a must for the class of 2016, as the Hoos will lose Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey after next season.

Here's a look at UVA's top competition for four of the Cavaliers' top remaining uncommitted recruits.

All recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports.

Bryan Manning is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, and you can follow him on Twitter @bdmanning4

Mamadi Diakite

Credit: 247Sports

Mamadi Diakite

Mamadi Diakite is a 5-star forward from the Blue Ridge School in Dyke, VA. He stands 6'9" and weighs 180 pounds with a frame that can easily add several pounds of muscle and still keep his tremendous athleticism.

Diakite has immense physical talent but is still a bit raw as a basketball player. He has long arms and runs the floor well. He's already a strong defensive player who shows the ability to dominate around the rim. He has as much potential as any player in the class of 2016. 

UVA is in the driver's seat for Diakite, but it is anything but a slam dunk. Keep an eye on Louisville, N.C. State and Georgetown. However, in the end, expect Diakite to be a Cavalier. 

Sacha Killeya-Jones

Credit: 247Sports

Sacha Killeya-Jones

Sacha Killeya-Jones is a player Bennett thought he already had in Charlottesville. Killeya-Jones committed to Virginia on New Years Day. However, he backed out of his commitment in early June. He felt he may have rushed his decision, per Scout.com's Rob Harrington:

”I decided to step back and reopen my recruitment,” Killeya-Jones said. “I feel like I may have rushed my decision. I still love Virginia, but just want to reaffirm that’s the right choice for me and plan to take some other visits.”

Killeya-Jones, a 6'10" power forward from Lynchburg, VA, recently saw his recruitment pick up in a big way. After his commitment to UVA, schools like Kentucky and North Carolina paid closer attention, leading him to back out of his verbal pledge.

Killeya-Jones may play his high school ball in Virginia, but he is actually from Chapel Hill, N.C., home of the Tar Heels. UVA may still be in the race, but it looks more and more like a fight between Kentucky and UNC for Killeya-Jones. 

Tyler Cook

Credit: 247Sports

Tyler Cook

While Diakite and Killeya-Jones may not have filled out their respective frames yet, Tyler Cook already looks the part of an NBA power forward. Cook, a 6'8", 240-pound forward from the Chaminade School in St. Louis, MO, is a terrific low-post player who can dominate games inside the paint. 

Also a strong rebounder, Cook is a consistent and productive player. His biggest weakness is free-throw shooting. Cook knows his strengths, though, and prefers to play near the basket. You won't see him standing behind the three-point line on every offensive possession. He has a strong basketball IQ and is active in the screen game.

While UVA is in the mix, it will be hard to pull Cook out of SEC country. Missouri, Arkansas and Florida appear to be Cook's most likely landing spots, but he is tentatively set to visit Charlottesville in September. If Diakite or Killeya-Jones happen to commit to the Hoos before that time, then take Cook off your board. 

Braxton Blackwell

Credit: 247Sports

Braxton Blackwell

Braxton Blackwell is a 6'8", 220-pound forward capable of playing both forward spots and shooting guard. While he isn't exactly a sharpshooter at this point and time, he is an excellent penetrator and gets to the basket with ease. 

Signing Blackwell would be a coup for Bennett. Athletically, he is similar to Justin Anderson—just bigger. He plays with tremendous energy on both ends of the court. He will need to work on his shot at the next level. 

Blackwell, who plays at the famed Oak Hill Academy in rural Virginia, has several programs on his short list. Originally from Nashville, Blackwell is considering Vanderbilt, Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. 

One thing that doesn't hurt UVA: Blackwell is the nephew of Ralph Sampson—the greatest player in school history.