Virginia Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMACC BasketballVirginia CavaliersAP Preseason NCAAM Top 25

Oct 30

Our Virginia basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that once again the Cavaliers will be in the NCAA Tournament mix. Last season, the Virginia Cavaliers (18-7 Overall, 13-4 ACC) topped the ACC, were eliminated from the conference tourney due to a player’s positive COVID test, and lost in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64. In the end, it was a disappointing season. However, there was one thing that players and fans could celebrate. Although head coach Tony Bennett (295-103 Virginia/12 years, 364-136 Overall/15 years) was courted by various NBA teams, he decided to return to Virginia. That was great news. Afterall, Bennett is one of the best in the business. It is expected that, as usual, he will be coaching a highly competitive team.

Cavaliers Frontcourt

The frontcourt gets a major upgrade as East Carolina graduate transfer Jayden Gardner joins the Cavs. Gardner, who averaged 18.3 PPG and 8.3 RPG, was second in the AAC last season in scoring and rebounding. Our Virginia basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that besides Gardner, the rest of the paint is fairly empty. With the departure of Jay Huff, junior center Francisco Caffare, who stands seven-foot-even, finally gets a chance to play. He’s going to have to make a major jump quickly this season. The Cavaliers will be looking to sophomore Kadin Shedrick, a fine defender and rebounder, to have a breakout season.

Virginia Basketball Preview – Backcourt

With issues in front, expect coach Bennett to utilize four guards. Bob Cousy award-winner Kihei Clark, a senior, averaged 9.5 PPG and 4.5 APG. He’s a gritty leader who expertly distributes the ball and can penetrate and score. However, the Cavaliers need him to increase his point production. The departure of guard Trey Murphy III means that transfer Armaan Franklin (Indiana) must come through in a big way. The double-digit scorer can hit from downtown and defend tenaciously. Sophomore Reece Beekman can pass and defend, but he’s a hazard when shooting deep. He needs to improve his scoring chops. If sophomore Carson McCorkle can step up production that will help. Senior Kody Stattmann offers reliable minutes off the bench.