To say Virginia basketball’s 2017-18 campaign was historical would be an understatement. The Hoos set records: tying the ACC win record, setting their franchise win total, they became the first team ever to go undefeated in the ACC on the road, and they cut down the nets in Brooklyn as ACC tournament Champions. The Hoos also made history in the wrong way as they became the first 1 seed to lose to a 16 seed, falling to UMBC. According to Junior guard Kyle Guy, the Hoos aren’t dwelling on the loss but they definitely won’t forget it. “Does nothing but motivate us. We are not dwelling on it but we will never forget. That’s great for us and not so great for our opponents” Guy said.
This year’s Cavaliers team will return three members from last year’s starting five, as they begin the year at number five in the preseason rankings.Virginia’s starting five looks legit, as Juniors Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome look to continue to be one of college basketball’s best backcourt duos, while Mamadi Diakite and Jack Salt look to continue terrorizing opponents as some of the college basketball’s top defenders. Rounding out the projected starting lineup is possible lottery pick DeAndre Hunter. Hunter proved to be very valuable for the Wahoos last year on both sides of the ball, but mainly on offense. He provided many sparks last year when the Cavs needed him, being a major threat inside and outside the arc. Newcomer Braxton Key, much like Hunter, is a threat offensively both outside the arc and in the paint. The Alabama transfer had a great freshman campaign, averaging over 10 ppg, but injuries hampered him to a less productive sophomore year. The thought of Key playing alongside Hunter brings excitement to the college basketball world, as the NCAA granted Key’s hardship waiver allowing him to play this season. Depth is definitely not the concern with this year’s Virginia team, but the question still remains, “Can the Hoos win in the tournament?” Under Tony Bennett, Virginia has proven they can dominate the regular season, compete with fellow powerhouse teams in college basketball year in and year out, and win ACC championships, but the NCAA tournament has been a whole other story. Don’t get me wrong, Virginia hasn’t done terrible in the tournament as they still have a winning record under Bennett in the tournament, and making the tournament year in and year out was non-existent at UVa before Bennett got there. However, Virginia has yet to make the Final Four in the Tony Bennett era, and has been prone to losing some big games in the tournament. Guy claims the team’s goal is “to win a national championship”, it’s certainly possible but will it happen? Here’s my take.
MY TAKE:
Virginia has all the pieces to the puzzle, they have experience, talent, their usual dominate defense, and potentially the best offensive team Tony Bennett has seen yet on grounds. Virginia has a tougher non-conference schedule, facing teams such as Butler and Middle Tennessee including their usual difficult ACC conference schedule, but there shouldn’t be a team in college basketball that the Cavaliers can’t beat this season. I don’t think Virginia will be as dominate on defense as they were the previous season (as that was one of the best defensive teams ever seen), but they will still be a top three if not the best defensive team in the country. On offense, I think it will be the best offensive team Virginia has seen in a while, surpassing the Malcolm Brogdon days when the Hoos made the elite eight. Virginia has too many weapons, and when one or even two are having an off-day, they should have enough production from other teammates to win. While the UMBC loss is one Virginia fans want to forget, this loss could end up bringing tons of success to the program. While you may think I’m crazy, you don’t just blow a loss like that off. This loss will have every member who was on that team working their butts of to make sure it doesn’t happen again. All teams are extremely focused come tournament time, but Virginia will be zoned in, and I can almost guarantee you that they will not let a loss like that happen again. It’s the ultimate revenge season for Virginia basketball, and I think their historic loss will always be a reminder for them to never let up and will bring storied success to the program for this year and years to come.
PREDICTIONS:
Team Projections
Regular Season Record: 28-3
ACC Regular Season Champs: Yes
ACC Tournament Champs: No
NCAA Tournament: It’s Redemption season in Charlottesville. The Hoos will be looking to prove the world wrong and will not only make their first Final Four under Tony Bennett but will win the national championship.
Player Projections-
Leading Scorer- Kyle Guy 17.5 ppg
Assists Leader- Ty Jerome 5.7 apg
Rebounds Leader- Mamadi Diakite 6 rpg
Steals Leader- Ty Jerome 1.7 spg
Pre-season Accolades-
All-Americans- Kyle Guy (1st team), Dre Hunter (2nd Team) and Ty Jerome (3rd team)
Team MVP- Dre Hunter
Most Clutch- Ty Jerome
Most Improved- Jay Huff (expect to see more of him)
Sixth Man- Braxton Key
Biggest Surprise- Kihei Clark (he’s only a 5’8 freshman but I’ve heard he’s a menace on defense and can shoot).
Virginia is going to be good this year, scary good and there’s no denying it. When asked what fans should expect from the team this year, Guy didn’t say much, but what he did say should give Wahoo Nation high hopes for the season. “We’re Ready.”
