Virginia – Jan 29th
I have now watched Virginia twice and both times I came away hoping they lose some games moving forward. Why? Because I like them a lot. They are that team that when you watch them it looks like the sort of team that plays basketball the way it was meant to. Bennett’s style of play is one of my favorites and this team plays like some of his best Washington State teams.
Notes: Inside, they have Scott who is top 10 forwards in the country. He will not be stopped in any game – period. He is that good. I did read that in the next game, vs UNC, he scored but had to take more shots to do it because of their dominate interior size. If a team is not very strong in the post, he will be a difference maker. Guards are a unique set of kids you all swear are from Indiana. They move the ball extremely well, know when to shoot, drive, or dish, and generally are just smart. They can, and do, hit the three well. One thing that they do do. is guard guard guard. They play excellent help defense. If you are a team that doesnt have a high assist ratio or rely too much on transition or rely on only 2 scorers, then this defense will most likely give you fits. They are #1 in the country in def points per possession, hold teams to 27% from 3, and only allow 50.1 ppgame.
I saw Wardo’s post, and I do agree that I also liked NC State in this game. They impressed me and could be a sleeper. Virginia could not stop their non-stop motor forward Howell so watch for that type of player, but Virginia also just lost their center. Another reason I like them. He is due back the first week of March which puts him on the bench but contributing come tournament time. This is Florida State 2011 Light. Great defense, meh offense that has to spend the last month getting EVERYONE to contribute due to key player lose, and then get a key piece back right at tournement time.
There are only a few matchups that I dont like this team against. Even then, I may not bet the game because I want them to win. They are just that likeable.
Feb 25 Bilas:Injured and coming off back-to-back, double-digit losses, Virginia was tied with Maryland at halftime and beat the Terps into submission in the second half. But Virginia finds a way because of Tony Bennett’s pack defense. Virginia does not score easily, but opposing teams cannot score easily, either.
2/29 ESPN who is coming in cold… 2. Virginia: The Cavaliers went 3-4 in February — and one of their wins was a two-point victory over downtrodden Virginia Tech. Tony Bennett is doing an excellent job of rebuilding Virginia’s program and may be deserving of ACC Coach of the Year honors. Still, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Virginia has just one quality win this season, and that came back on Nov. 29 against Michigan.
