Game 1: UVA vs. Tarleton State

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA- Tarleton State @ UVA (-17.5)

This one was never in question, nor should it have been. Virginia came into the 2023 season with a lot of questions surrounding it. Six freshman, four transfers, and only one returning starter from last year, nobody truly knew what to expect. UVA fans knew the incoming players were talented, and that Reece Beekman, Isaac McKneely, and Ryan Dunn were going to play huge roles for this team but how would this team mesh?

It is unfair to answer that question after one game, but Tony Bennett and his staff have got to be pleased with what they saw on the court on Monday. Beekman, McKneely, and Dunn combined for 38 points, 5 steals, 12 assists, and 13 rebounds. They are going to be the "Big Three" for UVA this year. How far this team goes depends on their performance. Their play needs to be consistent, they need to be vocal leaders, and if they do that they will be able to enhance the play of others.

I was very impressed with the play of the transfers as well. Dante Harris is a true ball handler, he dished the rock beautifully, and got to the rim with ease. Andrew Rohde didn't score a lot, 6pts on 2-5 from behind the arc, but he looked very confident and like he understood Tony Bennett's system on defense, which will keep him on the floor. Jacob Groves had a solid opening night with 9 points (3-4 from three) but only brought down a single rebound on 15 minutes of play as UVA's five man. Jordan Minor only played eleven minutes, he grabbed 3 boards and and tallied a block in that time.

Play of the Game: Redshirt Freshman, Leon Bond III must have watched Justin Anderson highlights before the game because the way he rocked the rim on his put back dunk took me straight back to 2014. Bond added 12 points and 9 rebounds for Virginia.

An 80-50 final in favor of the Hoos. The defense was suffocating, and the offense was efficient. What more could you ask for as a UVA fan?

Well, me being one of them, I left that arena focusing on areas the team could improve just like any psychopath would.

Areas of improvement:

Free Throws: 24-39 (61.5 %). That. is. horrible. If I am Tony Bennett, I wouldn't let anyone leave the gym next practice before they make ten straight free throws with me yelling in their ear. UVA shot 70% from the line last year and that was 238th in the country. Getting to the line 39 times is impressive and a sign this team will be taking the ball to the hole this year which I like, but for the love of god it's called the Charity Stripe for a reason.

Rebounding: UVA out rebounded Tarleton State by 13, but they gave up 7 offensive rebounds to a team whose tallest player is 6'6". That number will naturally increase when they enter ACC play, or even as soon as Friday when they face Florida who has multiple 7 footers on their roster. In my humble opinion, the answer to this is playing Jordan Minor. He is only 6'8", but he is 242 pounds and as aggressive as they come. You won't find him shying away from a 50/50 ball and will crash the boards better than anyone on this roster. I guess I will trust the national championship winning coach and 2x national coach of the year in Tony Bennett, but I feel as something must change with the frontcourt and how the minutes are spread out.

Game #1 was a success. In their next test, UVA will face the Florida Gators on Friday 11/10 @ 7pm in the Hall of Fame Series in Charlotte, NC.