ACC Men's Basketball Preview: Virginia Cavaliers

Inside the opponents of our new conference

With the start of ACC play, we’ll take a look at our conference opponents as we learn about some brand-new teams that we will be visiting and also hosting in Berkeley.

Virginia Cavaliers 8-6 (1-2)

Head Coach: Ron Sanchez - Interim for Tony Bennett (Retired at start of the season after 25 years at UVA)

Best Finish: Looking at Bennett record since this is still the same team culture carrying over until they hire a new coach. In 2019, Bennett won the National Championship as a 1 seed. He also made the Elite 8 in 2016 and the Sweet 16 in 2014, while making the NCAA Tournament a total of 10 times during his 25 year career in Charlottesville.

Key Players

G Isaac McKneely - 6-4/202 - 22% of Offensive Possession - 25% of Shots

• 12.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 174 TOPG, 42.7% FG, 44.6% 3PT, 70.4% FT

G Elijah Saunders - 6-8/240 - 23.2% of Offensive Possession - 21.4% of Shots

• 12.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 TOPG, 48.4% FG, 35.1% 3PT, 83.3% FT

Rob’s Notebook

Another top 50-ish defense the Bears will look to attack. The Cavaliers do not give up a ton of free throws but they do pack the 2PT shot so our perimeter players will have to be efficient from shooting the 3. They give up on average 32.5% from beyond the arc to opponents, while the Bears make 35.9% of their 3PTA as a team. Cal’s defense should fare better against this team than the previous teams as they do not rebound the ball on the offensive glass as well and also shoot below 50% from 2 as a team. Statistcally, Virginia is a jump shooting team with only a 25.4% free throw rate per field goal attempted. Contrast to the Bears who look to get to the line with 40.9% FTA per FGA. The game will come down to Cal’s offensive efficiency against Virginia’s fairly stout defense.

Game Info

Tip-Off: 8 PM PT

Location: Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, CA

TV: ESPNU

Radio: KGO 810AM or The Varsity Network