Huff's impact goes beyond the advanced statistics. He is a lightning rod for the team in big games, providing highlight-reel blocks against Duke in Cameron Indoor and in overtime against NC State.
While any program successful enough to regularly make the tournament can cite failures in March a lack of a final four trip looms large for the reputation of the Bennett era Cavaliers.
Virginia Coach Bronco Mendenhall welcomes 22 new players into his program as he looks to develop more young talent into his system.
If five seasons of on-court success aren’t enough, then how can Tony Bennett buck the perception that his teams don’t belong among the nation’s elite?
Virginia accepted a bid to the Military Bowl Sunday to face off against the Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis, Md. Dec. 28.
Blanding is a star local recruit, four-year standout and team leader, but is lacking the team success to match his individual accolades.
While it’s still early, the Cavaliers are outpacing what almost any fan could have expected — it’s time for fans to return the favor.
If Mendenhall continues to bolster his team, focusing on succession-planning and depth, sustained success and excitement may well follow.
For Virginia, the key driver missing in their quest to play at the level fans expect of a flagship ACC school hasn’t been the talent on the roster, but rather getting the most out of the guys on the team.
Despite his inauspicious start, Mendenhall may achieve success coaching the Cavaliers.
