As TB said in the post-game presser, we got outplayed by GW. Let's accept that and move on. Getting outplayed by a formidable team in our first road game of the year does not mean UVa's packline will be rendered ineffective by the new rules, no player will become a consistent outside threat, or TB has lost his coaching edge.
Given we all know that outside shooting is this team's weakness (of which we have very few others), the question for the rest of season outlook should be "what other things does the team need to excel at to have a successful season if the 3 is inconsistent?" You can count on our defense--Monday was an aberration. TB and staff will adjust the guys to the new rules in time. You can count on solid production from MB, MT, AG, and LP. You can count on (marginal to substantial) growth from DT, DH, MS, IW. EN is what he is--and last year in Anderson's absence, proved he can help the team...but further growth is wishful thinking. Contribution from JR or JS is a bonus.
So--what does UVa have to excel at to be a great team this, if outside shooting remains a weakness? Great defense. Effective and regular penetration. Selfless passing. Consistent mid-range shots. High percentage low-post offense. Opportunistic offensive rebounding. Physicality and length (inherit to the team already). Mental edge. Great coaching.
Virginia has the tools for a great season. It's going to be a fun ride as fans.
Given we all know that outside shooting is this team's weakness (of which we have very few others), the question for the rest of season outlook should be "what other things does the team need to excel at to have a successful season if the 3 is inconsistent?" You can count on our defense--Monday was an aberration. TB and staff will adjust the guys to the new rules in time. You can count on solid production from MB, MT, AG, and LP. You can count on (marginal to substantial) growth from DT, DH, MS, IW. EN is what he is--and last year in Anderson's absence, proved he can help the team...but further growth is wishful thinking. Contribution from JR or JS is a bonus.
So--what does UVa have to excel at to be a great team this, if outside shooting remains a weakness? Great defense. Effective and regular penetration. Selfless passing. Consistent mid-range shots. High percentage low-post offense. Opportunistic offensive rebounding. Physicality and length (inherit to the team already). Mental edge. Great coaching.
Virginia has the tools for a great season. It's going to be a fun ride as fans.
