Pete Gillen is no Al Groh. Comparing them is like comparing bananas and blueberries -- it just isn't plausible.
But after what unfolded in Virginia's 110-76 loss at home to North Carolina Saturday afternoon, Gillen ought to borrow a page out of Groh's playbook -- the one that says stop babying your supposed superstars and make them earn their spots in the starting lineup.
After the Virginia football team fell 36-3 at Florida State in October, Groh declared open competition for all defensive spots. No player had his starting position in lock, not even Ahmad Brooks, one of three finalists for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's best linebacker. Every starter had to earn back his coveted orange jersey, worn by defensive starters in practice.
Gillen's squad warrants the Groh-style policy.
After losing to the Tar Heels, the Cavaliers fell to 10-8 overall and 1-7 in the conference.
Sean Singletary didn't like what he saw from his team against the No. 3 team in the nation. The Cavaliers folded like they had just been dealt a lame hand.
The freshman point guard said he tries to give his teammates positive encouragement, but sometimes it just doesn't work. You have to play with heart, he said, but heart isn't something that can be taught. And some of the Cavaliers lack it.
So who are the cardiac-impaired? Singletary wouldn't say, and it's not fair to point fingers, because basketball is a team sport and outcomes aren't dependent on one individual's performance.
But I will point a toe or two.
Elton Brown was honored as an All-American during the first half of the game Saturday.
No, no, don't be confused
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