There’s no coach I feel worse for this morning than Virginia’s Tony Bennett and no player that I sympathize with more than Cavaliers star Malcolm Brogdon. This is a coach and player that have done yeoman’s work in lifting UVA from an okay program to a national power over the last three years. And with […]
The Virginia basketball program was at the forefront of the national stage—not just for college basketball, but sports overall, when 7’4” center Ralph Sampson played there from 1980-83. Sampson was considered one of the best to ever play the game and all eyes were on him to see if this freak of nature could lead Virginia to a national title. The Cavaliers never got to that lofty goal—indeed March disappointments were to become routine. But the 1981 NCAA Tournament at least saw Sampson’s Cavs reach the Final Four.
Syracuse might be undefeated, but the Orangemen aren’t running away with the ACC’s regular season title. More surprising is that it’s Duke, North Carolina or even Pitt that’s presenting the strongest challenge as we move into February. Virginia is quietly putting together a big year, and 17-5 overall and 8-1 in ACC play. Let’s take a look at Virginia basketball, how they’re doing it and what lies ahead.
It’s been about ten years since the University of Miami’s football program was a relevant national power, but Miami basketball is playing well right now and has a chance to make a significant statement on the national stage tonight when they host Duke (7 PM ET, ESPN). The Hurricanes are unbeaten in ACC play and, in spite of them being ranked #24 while the Dookies are #1, a victory here marks Miami as the team to beat in the ACC the rest of the way. Are the ‘Canes up to it, and can this be a legitimate Final Four contender? Let’s take a closer look at Miami basketball
ACC basketball gets the ESPN stage tonight with Wake Forest-Duke (7 PM ET) followed by North Carolina-Virginia Tech (9 PM ET). Neither the Tar Heels nor the Blue Devils have looked dominant this year and that means the conference race has dark-horse potential. Today the Notebook takes a look at five possible contenders, including the […]