I think I would lose what credibility I have if I didn't write about UVA today. It's no secret I'm a fan, but I promised myself I would write this blog with a level head when the time comes. Well, the time has come and here we are at Day 17 of the Super Scintillating Selections with the Virginia Cavaliers coming in at #14 in the power rankings.
To say this team has some work to do before the postseason begins would be quite the understatement. The Cavs have lost two games in a row and have had a four game stretch to forget. They are 2-2 in their last four, but their two wins are a three point win against a sorry excuse for a basketball team, the Louisville Cardinals, and a two point win against a Notre Dame team who is having a historically bad year. Something I have learned about myself in the last four games? The more stressful the game, the more Busch lights I consume. I'll let you do the math.
The best way to describe this funk UVA is in right now, is to say that these guys have the “yips.” Having had the yips in golf before, I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy (unless his/her name rhymes with Lunter Matoor). If you haven’t been a victim of Mr. Yips, he basically takes away all your skill and confidence and you forget how to play the sport you are involved in. I had them in golf, but they happen in any and all types of sports. Here's the catch though, it only takes one flush 9-iron, one cleanly fielded ground ball, one chip shot field goal to go through the uprights, to get rid of the yips. In UVA’s case it will only take one solid game to get them back into form. That form I am referring to? A national championship contender.
Now that I have convinced myself this team can turn it around, let's get into it.
Why can UVA win another national championship?
Head Taps. No, not the boring head taps you do after a dunk, the cool and exciting head taps that are done after a shot clock violation. Coach Tony Bennett is a defensive master mind and I will hear no arguments against that. This particular team is not even close to the best CTB defensive team, and UVA still ranks #8 in opponent points per game. What makes this defense so lovely is their ability to clamp up without fouling (only 14 fouls per game), it makes opponents crumble and cry, just ask Nolan Smith (who I bodied in his very own Instagram comment section a few years back and was blocked. Lame of me to do? Yes. Rent Free? Also, yes.). Defense can win championships (as we have seen before) and having a stellar defense to fall back on when your offense isn't rolling is crucial.
SSNAZ. Don’t know what this means? Well listen up. Say. Something. Nice. About. Zero. Zero being the youngster, Kihei Clark, the only player left from UVA’s championship run in 2019. Say what you want about him or how old he is, the dude is a fighter, a leader, and makes this team so much better. He is the guy that can pull UVA out of their funk with his shooting, ability to create for others, and his lockdown defense.
Tony Bennett. No further explanation needed.
What's holding them back?
This Damn Funk. There is no guarantee they will get back to the way they were playing earlier this year. UVA is currently struggling from behind the arc, having a hard time making layups, and shooting an extremely low percentage from the charity stripe. It's tough to watch mainly because I know what this team can be, but what they can be is not a reality right now.
The Hoos have two home games remaining, and a lot of maintenance to do. I fully expect Tony Bennett to get this team right before it's too late. If that happens…the whole nation is on notice.
Lastly, I would be a fool not to recognize long time UVA basketball coach and former Athletic Director, Terry Holland. Terry was an outstanding basketball coach who changed the course of UVA hoops. We will forever be grateful for him. Rest in Peace Coach Holland.
Next Game: vs. Clemson 2/28
My Prediction: Sweet 16 (subject to change 😉)
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