Virginia coach Pete Gillen needed only two-and-a-half years to return the men's basketball team to the national powerhouse it was during the Ralph Sampson era.
After the Cavaliers scored two convincing conference wins over Maryland and Wake Forest, The Associated Press deemed Virginia the sixth-best team in the nation, its highest ranking since the 1982-1983 season.
"The idea that we could be ranked in the top 10 is a real testament to what Pete has done with the program," said Terry Holland, Virginia director of athletics and former men's basketball coach.
Ranked No. 11 heading into last week, the Cavaliers sank the Terrapins, 99-76, on Wednesday and the Demon Deacons, 82-71, on Saturday. Maryland and Wake Forest dropped to No. 13 and No. 19, respectively.
Virginia makes its third appearance in the top 10 this season. The Cavaliers held the No. 8 spot for two weeks beginning Christmas Day and dropped to No. 10 on Jan. 7. Prior to this season, Virginia's last top 10 ranking came Jan. 18, 1993, when the Cavaliers were No. 7.
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