Look Hoos Hot!!!

Resilience, discipline, and pure will help lead the Virginia Cavaliers at a hostile Cassel Coliseum to beat Virgina Tech (50-47). The Hokies had outplayed the Cavaliers until the final 7 minutes in regulation where Virginia overcame a (10) point deficit to stay undefeated. The Cavaliers have won close and won big, and no matter the venue they find a way to win. Virginia now (19-0, 7-0 ACC) are off to their best start in 24 years. After losing seniors Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell a season ago, the Cavs have not lost a step. Not since Ralph Sampson walked the grounds of UVA has Virginia been highly ranked and on the radar for college hoops. Virginia has backed last year's (30) win season, first since (1981-82), (2nd) ACC tournament title, and a Sweet 16 appearance with an impressive start to the (2014-15) season. With Harris and Mitchell gone the remaining Cavs and some new troops guided under the leadership of head coach Tony Bennett lead a rejuvenated Virginia basketball team.

 

The emergence of Justin Anderson from sixth man to starter, Mike Tobey finding a post game, Anthony Gill cleaning up the paint, and Malcolm Brogdon's clutch shooting have given the Cavaliers a balanced attack. Anderson (14.4ppg, 4.4rpg), Brogdon (13.6ppg, 3.5rpg), Gill (11.7ppg, 6.8rpg), Tobey (8.1ppg, 6.1rpg), all contribute to Virginia in numerous ways. Sophomore London Perrantas at point guard being their most valued player as he averages only (5.0ppg, 4.4apg); however as Perrantes goes so does the Cavs. The second year Cali native is the unsung leader executing the Virginia offense which is top 10 in the nation for offensive efficiency. With the five players mentioned still eligible for at least another season, Virginia is here to stay.

 

Not since the early (80s) has Virginia seen this much success on the hardwoods. Even then three time consecutive National Player of the Year Ralph Sampson was leading the way, now it's a collective group. Not just dependent on one person and neither a one trick pony in the box score. Opponents have been tormented by Virginia's pack line defense, instilled by head coach Tony Bennett and developed by his father Dick Bennett. Denial of dribble penetration as the on ball defender applies pressure while the other Cavaliers pack the lane. This method has forced teams to take perimeter shots; however if your not knocking them down your in for a long night against this bunch. The Wahoos have held opponents to just (50.5ppg- 2nd), while shooting only (34.1%- 3rd) ranks top (5) in the nation defensively. Case in point, three teams didn't score (30) in a game versus Virginia this season including Georgia Tech (28), Harvard (27) and Rutgers (26). Those stops on defensive lead to almost perfection on offense. A good shot always can lead to a better shot. Their Princeton style offense along with their pack line defense has helped Virginia look like one of the best Virginia teams in program history.

Other than the Sampson era and seasons under former head coach Terry Holland from the (1980s- early 90s) Charlottesville has not seen much success in men's basketball. Tony Bennett has found the right guys to first buy into his system then properly run his system. Virginia has not lost a game since March 28 2014, a (61-59) defeat at the hands of Michigan State in the Sweet 16. Now Virginia has ran off (19) straight, a (37-2) record since mid January of 2014, (21) straight at home, and a (23-2) record in conference. In case you haven't checked the ACC is basically the SEC in football; pretty well stacked from top to bottom. Being said, the Cavaliers face their toughest stretch of their schedule starting next Saturday. Hosting #4 Duke, at #13 North Carolina, and home for #9 Louisville. Too early for assumptions especially with a (68) team tournament in March, however these Wahoos have a legitimate chance at capturing their first NCAA Title in the programs 110 year history.
 

Wahoo wa