The post-Tony Bennett era of UVA Basketball began Wednesday in John Paul Jones Arena as the Cavaliers opened the 2024-2025 season with a 65-56 win over Campbell.
A crowd of 13,414 watched as interim coach Ron Sanchez and the Cavaliers fought through what many had expected, a game of spurts, where Virginia looked sharp at times and out-of-sync for long stretches.
In a season that certainly begins with plenty more questions than answers, Virginia displayed glimpses of a team that has talent, but needs more games to mesh together.
The crowd, which for the most part was more inquisitive than vocal, had to be pleased with some of the athleticism Bennett and Sanchez assembled for this latest version of UVA Basketball.
The newcomers
Freshmen Jacob Cofie and Ishan Sharma (yes, this team does have actual freshmen in addition to plenty of portal players) gave UVA fans an early glimpse of what this team may become as the season progresses.
Cofie finished with a game-high 16 points, making seven of eight field goal attempts. Cofie made his first five shots, two of which were beyond the arc.
While Cofie did not start, he did play 28 minutes. At 6’10’’, his ability to play as a power forward and his shooting ability, especially from three-point land, will make him a crucial as the Cavalier cast of new faces blend together as the season progresses.
Sharma, a 6’5’’ guard from Ontario, also displayed some shooting prowess, connecting on both of his three-point attempts.
Sharma will be a tough player to guard with his quick release. Campbell coach Kevin McGeehan quickly noted Sharma’s release in the postgame press conference, saying “the kid (Sharma) barely even touches the ball, it kind of just glides through his hand.”
About that point guard slot
Andrew Rohde started the game at the point guard position, and picked up right where he was last season.
And that’s not a positive.
Rohde, playing 32 minutes, finished with one point, five assists and four turnovers, missing his only two shots.
Rohde, by my unofficial tally, passed up on at least five clear looks at the basket.
Ok, I know he’s playing the point position, but come on, everyone wants to score, don’t they?
To his credit, Rohde did seem to be the distribution point for the Virginia offense.
Sanchez said after the game that some of the things that is being asked of Rohde don’t always show up on the stat sheet.
Sanchez said Rohde got the nod at point because of his experience in the Virginia system.
Christian Bliss, anther option at point, is still dealing with a foot injury and may not see action for another few weeks.
The observation from my seat on press row is that Rohde is still very much the same tentative player he was from last year, and will get pushed hard by both Bliss, when healthy, and transfer Dai Dai Ames.
Without a solid producer at the point, the road will be tough for the Cavaliers.
Buchanan has higher expectations this season
It didn’t take long to see that Virginia is asking, and needs, sophomore center Blake Buchanan to be far more aggressive offensively this year.
Sanchez spread the floor more tonight than what Virginia fans may be used to seeing.
As a result, Buchanan was expected to hang out around the perimeter, doing more of the things expected of a 6’11’’ player, like setting screens, catching the ball inside and either making a move to the basket or looking for an open player to pass to.
Blake had a solid night, 10 points, five assists and a team-high seven rebounds.
Sanchez said expect more of the same moving forward with Buchanan.
“I think there’s more in him. I’m not sure he’s comfortable yet doing the things we want him to do. We’re going to continue throwing him the ball inside, hopefully he can make decent decisions,” said Sanchez.
Now for the important stuff
With another dismal UVA Football season unfolding, the start of another men’s basketball season is exactly what the doctor ordered for the faithful.
With Bennett’s departure, uncertainty was the tone early on inside JPJ.
The gathering was even more late-arriving than usual.
The pregame buzz was tempered, at best.
When Sanchez walked onto the floor, the usual rock-star roar that greeted Bennett was noticeably missing.
The crowd did get worked up on the three shot-clock violations the Cavaliers did force, so that was a good thing.
Bottom line: This season offers the Cavaliers a chance to reset under Sanchez.
The offense is going to look a bit different; it’s going to take some time to work out the wrinkles.
From all indications, the fans understand this.
A new cast of players a revitalized offense awaits the rest of the ACC.
Wednesday night was just a start.
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