I think we all realize that had Justin Anderson returned, UVA would likely be the top team in the nation. Anderson was the team's heart. Brogdon is the team's soul and backbone, but Anderson was the heart and his dynamic play is one of the two elements this team is missing this year. The other element we are missing is the post defender in the Akil Mitchell, Darion Atkins mode. I think that is a crucial piece in Tony's defense and there's no question that we missed it early in the ACC season.
All that being understood, I think the job Tony has done this season so far with this group of players is better than what he did the prior two seasons, and Tony was clearly the ACC COY the last two seasons. Without an established 3rd perimeter starter and without a strong post defender, Tony has had to mix and match and find the right chemistry from one game to the next. The Clemson game was another example of Tony having to find the right combination to win the game. He went small and received strong performances from Hall and Shayok.
When you look at the teams that are being considered for 1st seeds in the NCAA tournament; Villanova, UNCheat, Michigan State, Kansas; they're all considerably more talented than UVA. The difference has been how Tony has taken a group of players, achieved total buy-in to his scheme and the team concept. I cannot look at our roster and believe we are the #4 team in the nation. It is just an amazing coaching job.
I don't know how far we will go in the tournament this year but I am convinced our best days are ahead of us.
All that being understood, I think the job Tony has done this season so far with this group of players is better than what he did the prior two seasons, and Tony was clearly the ACC COY the last two seasons. Without an established 3rd perimeter starter and without a strong post defender, Tony has had to mix and match and find the right chemistry from one game to the next. The Clemson game was another example of Tony having to find the right combination to win the game. He went small and received strong performances from Hall and Shayok.
When you look at the teams that are being considered for 1st seeds in the NCAA tournament; Villanova, UNCheat, Michigan State, Kansas; they're all considerably more talented than UVA. The difference has been how Tony has taken a group of players, achieved total buy-in to his scheme and the team concept. I cannot look at our roster and believe we are the #4 team in the nation. It is just an amazing coaching job.
I don't know how far we will go in the tournament this year but I am convinced our best days are ahead of us.
