The Virginia Cavaliers are hungry after an early exit from last year’s March Madness tournament at the hands of Michigan State. They’re definitely looking for redemption but they’ve got a big hill to climb to achieve that next level of success. After losing one of their best scorers Justin Anderson in the NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks this past spring, the team has a lot of points to make up for.
The man that will be most responsible for filling that void will be Malcom Brogdon. Brogdon averaged 14 points per game last season and has improved steadily since his first year at UV in 2011-12. He along with seniors Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey will be the key to the Cavs success. The NCAA basketball championship odds have been updated, listing Virginia at +1800 to win the 2016 tournament. A great spot for them to be in given their early departure from last spring’s Round of 32.
Evan Nolte meanwhile will be expected to fill the role of Justin Anderson. He will likely get the starting replacement spot and is no stranger to the big stage. Nolte started 11-games last season and played in 33. He was also one of the key factors in the team’s defeat of Coastal Carolina in the second round of the final tournament two years ago, in 2014. He put up eight points and nailed two big three-pointers in the win.
Looking ahead even more so, the Cavaliers will benefit over the next few years from a great recruiting class. Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy and DeAndre Hunter were each ranked in ESPN’s Top 100 and are each heading to Virginia following their high school graduations.
So whether it’s looking ahead a few years or this year, the Cavaliers are in good shape to be a consistent contender among the elite of NCAA basketball.
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Chris Graham
