With conference play underway — and the first road test already delivering a reminder of what ACC games can demand — three men’s basketball beat writers look back at their previous predictions, outline what non-conference play confirmed and identify what still has not been answered.
“For me, [Virginia] was the best basketball environment I've been in in my life,” Salt said. “A lot of lessons I learned [were] at Virginia.”
Now 10 games into the season, the team is beginning to find its footing as one of the best offensive teams in the country.
“[Jacari’s] was just one of those performances where, every time he was open and he had it, you could hear the crowd going, ‘yes!,’” Odom said.
The Cavaliers (7-1, 0-0 ACC) broke a stalemate just five minutes into the game, leading by double digits for the final half hour of play.
Odom doesn’t have to choose between Hall’s steady hand and the spark plug that is Mallory — he can, and should, have both.
Virginia left the game with positive results on two major percentage points.
“We kind of dug ourselves a hole, and we had to fight back," Thomas said.
“I think it was just a great college basketball game all around," Odom said. "Had a lot of drama, players making big-time plays throughout. It was a really physical game.”
The Cavaliers’ full-court pressure should be tested this weekend against two disciplined offenses with top-tier athleticism.
"I'm a fan of young men receiving some compensation. But I think it's so unmonitored and not regulated. And I think until it becomes more regulated, a level playing field, and there's more control, [there will be issues]."
“I was so happy to see the ball go in,” Onyenso said. “I’ve waited so long for this.”
“We let Virginia's pressure bother us,” Marshall Coach Cornelius Jackson said. “They're physical."
“I’m telling you, that’s a good team,” Hampton Coach Ivan Thomas said.
“We salute you."
