Whenever I think about last season's Virginia basketball season, I think of the scene in Wayne's World where Garth was told about there being changes to the show. His response, "We fear change." With Tony Bennett's slower tempo offense in place, the players didn't mesh with it. Two players transferred, and there are six new faces on the roster, more to Tony Bennett's style.
Backcourt
Despite an injury to Sammy Zeglinski that will keep him out until December, the backcourt has some solid options. Jontel Evans is going to handle the point guard duties. Evans, a sophomore, is a pretty smart player, who doesn't turn the ball over much. In fact, the Cavs were first in the ACC and 14th in the nation in fewest turnovers per game. When he comes back, Zeglinski will be a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. He's a pretty good scorer, passes well, and is a good defender. Mustapha Farrakhan didn't shoot the ball very well last season, shooting less than 36% from the floor. With the Cavs likely to start three guards, there will plenty of time for freshman K.T. Harrell. Harrell will basically be what Sylven Landesberg was last year, which is not a bad thing. Off the bench will be some more freshmen. Billy Baron will back up Evans until Zeglinski get back. Baron is a three point sharp shooter who has fared very well early on this season. Joe Harris is another option at shooting guard. He is another of the many freshmen on UVA's roster.
Frontcourt
Mike Scott is far and away the best player on this team this year. He's been as consistent a player as there has been in the ACC over the last few years. His stats aren't necessarily going to win you over, but he does a lot of other things that you don't see on the score sheet. Assane Sene is a seven foot center who can only score by way of put backs. He is a decent rebounder, but don't ask him to score for you. Off the bench, Will Sherrill can hit an occasional shot and defends well. Will Regan and Akil Mitchell are both talented freshmen who will also see time at the forward spot off the bench.
Schedule
Late November will be tough for the Cavs. UVA travels to Stanford, followed by going to Maui to take on some very tough competition, then coming to Minnesota in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge. The Cavs get eight straight games at home, including home games against Oregon, Iowa State, and LSU in the non conference. In conference play, UVA gets UNC at home, and get home and home games with Virginia Tech and Duke.
Prediction
Tony Bennett is starting to get the players to fit his system. The problem right now is that they are all freshmen. This season may be a bit tough on Virginia and its fans, but as the season goes along, this team will get better. The likelihood is that UVA will finish near the bottom of the ACC, but don't be surprised if they hang in a few games that they're not supposed to.
by Will Ojanen
Fantasy Player to Watch
Mike Scott averaged 12 ppg and 7 rpg last season, but could see his numbers move toward 16/10 this year. Scott has a versatile offensive game with the ability to knockdown the perimeter jumpshot or bang in the paint. His ability to score and rebound makes him a first or second round fantasy pick in most leagues.
