Good article based on a recent interview with Tony .Virginia basketball has taken Tony Bennett on a roller coaster ride this season It’s paywalled but a couple of notable points.
I didn’t realize the 8 game winning streak was preceded by a players only meeting that was prompted by Tony ending a practice early.
The article goes heavy on what we talk about here – Tony’s approach is to go heavy on experience and time in the system. This team is young and hasn’t played together much. A relevant quote:
One of one film sessions with the coaches accelerated Minor’s understanding of the defense.
I didn’t realize Bennett found out about Dunn from former BC coach Steve Donahue and his family said he was going to UVA even if it was as a preferred walk-on (Traudt had just filled the last scholarship spot at the time they were trying to close him).
The article quotes Tony on how a lack of confidence is impacting them offensively.
I didn’t realize the 8 game winning streak was preceded by a players only meeting that was prompted by Tony ending a practice early.
‘Frustration boiled over, as much as it does with the ever-pleasant Bennett, during one practice after the team’s blowout loss at Wake Forest on Jan. 13. Bennett can’t even remember now if he kicked his players out or just ended things early… A players-only meeting ensued, led largely by Beekman… In that players-only meeting, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year told his teammates that this season was reminding him of his sophomore year in Charlottesville, in 2021-22: when Virginia finished 21-14 … and went to the NIT… Roles were defined right then and there. Frustrations were voiced. “Closed mouths,” Minor says, “don’t get fed.” The result was immediate…”’
The article goes heavy on what we talk about here – Tony’s approach is to go heavy on experience and time in the system. This team is young and hasn’t played together much. A relevant quote:
‘Bennett’s few returners saw he was trying to embrace experimentation. Letting guys play through mistakes, with a longer-term vision in mind. “He was a little bit more lenient,” Dunn says, “a little understanding that, we’re all new.” But losses of that magnitude, that frequency were unfamiliar.’
One of one film sessions with the coaches accelerated Minor’s understanding of the defense.
I didn’t realize Bennett found out about Dunn from former BC coach Steve Donahue and his family said he was going to UVA even if it was as a preferred walk-on (Traudt had just filled the last scholarship spot at the time they were trying to close him).
The article quotes Tony on how a lack of confidence is impacting them offensively.
