Quote:
Originally Posted by ligastar
Question for dlk9s:
Jerome will get the bulk of the PG minutes this season at UVa, who runs the point when Jerome is on the bench getting a spell? Do you think PG efficiency will suffer a lot when compared to 2017 UVa PG efficiency (we can say there probably will be a decline in efficiency after losing the senior Perrantes).
It's interesting that BPI has UVa winning the ACC regular season title (and kenpom has them finishing a game back of Dook in a three-way tie for 2nd). I think there may be some value in placing a bet on UVa, but I want to get a better understanding of the PG spot this year for UVa.
Thx in advance.
I'll be honest, I don't really study up on the team in the offseason, but I would expect Jerome and Guy to start at the 1 and 2. I think Guy will get some time at the 1 depending on how the subbing goes.
The true backup PG is probably Rutgers graduate transfer Nigel Johnson. I've read he's quick and a good ball handler, but of course in Tony Bennett's system, defense will be key.
Devon Hall, the old man on the team, can handle the PG spot, too. He's a wing, but he can play pretty much anywhere.
As for PG efficiency, that's a good question. Perrantes was very underrated nationally and was as steadying an influence as you'll see at the position. I have a feeling, though, that Ty Jerome will be very good this year - he already looked pretty poised and mature as a freshman last year. I have an inkling that assuming he stays all four years, he will end up as one of the best PG's UVa has ever had.
I think a bigger question for Virginia is inside. Last year, we had zero post offense. None. Jack Salt, as good of a defender as he is and for as good of an athlete as he is (it's not often you see a 6'11"-ish guy built like him), he had no ability to do anything with the ball. Wilkins is our glue and is a really good player, but his offensive game is more mid-range and hustle boards. We didn't have a Gill or Tobey who could just take a pass in the lane and do something with it.
That said, Diakite showed signs that he could become something (he was also just a freshman last year) and two redshirt freshmen in Huff and Hunter should get lots of run. The former is more of a stretch-four and the latter is the springy 3/4.
I can't IMAGINE that Virginia has any chance to win the ACC this year, but we should be good. Not top 5-10 like we've been recently, but top 20-25 sounds reasonable. The big question is will scorers step up. For the first time in a while, we don't really have established veteran scorers returning. It's a very young team, but deep. Could be growing pains and probably a bit of a step back this year, but should also be an enjoyable team to watch.
EDIT: I am actually quite excited to see Ty Jerome run the point. He reminds me a bit of Joe Harris, but with more athleticism. He has good size, good handles, seems to have very good vision, and can shoot the lights out. He and Guy could be a fantastic backcourt.