To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Virginia and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
F: Anthony Gill
C: Mike Tobey
Who is lost: The only senior lost is Darion Atkins, who was a valuable member of a team that won back-to-back ACC regular season titles. Atkins is a tough low-post defender who plays strong positional defense and is an opportunistic scorer who knows his role and plays it well. His experience -- both in the Pack-Line defense and with offensive concepts -- and tough-mindedness will be missed.
Who is added: Jarred Reuter is a big-bodied post who is terrific passer with a high basketball IQ. He will bring a physical presence in terms of boxing out on the defensive glass and working for post position on the blocks, where he can score with either hand close to the basket. His passing will continue to help Virginia remain as one of the most efficient offensive teams in the nation. The good news for Reuter and Virginia fans is that he will be able to contribute as a freshman while being groomed for the future. Darius Thompson is a 6-foot-5 guard who transferred in from Tennessee. He led the Volunteers in steals and finished second in assists as a freshman and he will provide promising depth on the perimeter. If you look even further down the road, Tony Bennett has three high school juniors already committed, including ESPN 60 guard Kyle Guy.
What it means for next season: The Cavaliers will return three scorers from this year’s team in Malcolm Brogdon, Justin Anderson and Anthony Gill, which means they should once again compete for an ACC title. Don’t forget London Perrantes running the team as the leading assist man, either. This team returns a lot of offense, which is vital to success, but more importantly, with only one departing senior, the defense -- which leads the nation in many categories -- should not skip a beat.
Trending: Up. Since Bennett and his staff took over this program, they have been a model of consistency in recruiting, winning games and capturing titles. They have moved up in the standings in a steady fashion and recently have ascended to the top spot in back-to-back years in a conference whose difficulty has been bolstered due of expansion. With so much experience and talent back along with the addition of Reuter, this program is setting the standard high for the rest of the league.