UPDATE: The University of Virginia men’s basketball team is set to open its season tonight, November 3, 2023, at 7 p.m., against Rider in Charlottesville. New head coach Ryan Odom is eager to see how his experienced roster performs after a promising exhibition against Villanova, where the Cavaliers triumphed 75-72 on October 24.
With a roster featuring four graduate transfers and seasoned players, Odom believes his team is ahead of schedule in their preparation. “Your opponents eventually tell you,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of performance in real game situations. The outcome of tonight’s game will be crucial in determining how well this revamped team will gel under Odom’s new system.
UVA’s exhibition showcased a new style of play that caught Villanova’s first-year coach, Kevin Willard, off guard due to the Cavaliers’ physicality. Odom’s coaching philosophy emphasizes “unselfish” basketball, and players like Malik Thomas and Sam Lewis, both former leading scorers at their previous schools, have adapted well, focusing on teamwork rather than individual accolades.
Despite the optimism, there are areas for improvement. Odom pointed out that the team’s 18 turnovers in the exhibition game pose a significant concern. He aims to instill a full-court pressure defense that not only disrupts opponents but also maximizes the Cavaliers’ depth. Odom intends to utilize a deep rotation of players, emphasizing the need for fitness when employing such a taxing style of play.
The pressure is on as UVA seeks to improve from last season’s disappointing record of 15-17. “Everybody came here for a common goal and that’s to get Virginia back to that national level,” Thomas said. With the season opener less than an hour away, the excitement builds as fans and players alike anticipate what this new chapter under Odom will bring.
Looking ahead, after tonight’s opener, UVA will face N.C. Central, Hampton, and Marshall at home before taking on significant challenges against Northwestern and Butler in neutral-site games later this month. Odom’s squad is also scheduled for high-stakes matchups against Texas, Dayton, and Maryland in December, culminating with an ACC opener against Virginia Tech on December 31.
As the Cavaliers gear up for their first game, the real test begins. Fans will be watching closely to see if this new lineup can reclaim Virginia’s former glory in college basketball. Will they rise to the occasion? The answer starts to unfold tonight.
