HOKIES HOOPS CENTRAL: Virginia Tech (10-6) at Virginia (11-5) 7PM ESPNU
Round 1️⃣ of the #CommonwealthClash‼️🆚 UVA🕖 7PM ET📺 ESPNU🏟️ John Paul Jones Arena🤝 @SmithfieldBrand#StoneByStone x #Hokies pic.twitter.com/8fQTMMjgtq— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) January 17, 2024
Virginia Tech (10-6)
at Virginia (11-5)
January 17th, 2024
JPJ Arena
7 p.m. ET
ESPNU
Virginia Tech Sports Network
ESPNU
Play-by-Play: Doug Sherman,
Analyst: Seth Greenberg
Local Radio
Virginia Tech Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Zach Mackey
Analyst: Mike Burnop
𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗽 = 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱 🤴🤩@MikeBurnopVT has been named the state sportscaster of the year for a second time! Congratulations to Mike for this achievement 👏— HokieSports (@hokiesports) January 17, 2024
Current Spread: UVA -4.5
Over/Under: -125.5
Be Prepared for the LED Nightmare
The Hokies go on the road after a disappointing 75-71 loss to Miami that saw the turnover monster raise its head again. They will have former Hokies coach Seth Greenberg on the call with Commonwealth Cup points on the line. Can the Hokies take care of the ball and beat Virginia?
Virginia comes in 11-5 and losers of two straight. They come in having lost to both Wake Forest (19) and NC State (16). Every loss has been by double-digits, with a 24-point loss to Wisconsin, a 23 point loss to Memphis and a 22 point loss Notre Dame. This will be the 157th meeting between the Hokies and Virginia. The Hokies are 59-97 overall against the Wahoos. The Wahoos were ranked as high as 22nd this season before their loss to Memphis.
The Wahoos are coached by Tony Bennett, who has been at Virginia since 2009. Virginia is 333-120 under Bennett, who is now 421-161 as a Head coach with his only other stop was three seasons at Washington State. They have reached the post season 11 of their 14 seasons so far with nine NCAA appearances, one tournament cancelled, and one National Championship.
Virginia did a complete overhaul with four transfers including starter Andrew Rhode from St Thomas as well as Jacob Groves from Oklahoma. Jordan Minor from Merrimack is playing in almost every game for about 8 mpg. Dante Harris was expected to play a bigger role after transferring from Georgetown but has been limited by injury. They had the 20th ranked recruiting class with four freshmen but only Blake Buchanan and Elijah Gertrude played meaningful minutes so far.
The starting five are Reece Beekman, Isaac McNeely, Ryan Dunn, Andrew Rhode and Jacob Groves. All but Groves are on the court at least 27 minutes per game. Virginia uses a bench of five players, seeing the floor about 10-15 mpg. This group consists of Blake Buchanan, Leon Bond, Taine Murray, and Elijah Gertrude, with Dante Harris still out with an ankle injury.
Defensively, Virginia is one of the best at executing the "Pack Line Defense" and are allowing the second fewest points per game in all of college basketball even with their recent issues in ACC play. It is a high pressure, man to man defense that sags to the middle of the court. It is designed to prevent penetration by driving the basketball. The "pack line" is an imaginary line two feet inside the three-point line that all defenders not guarding the current ball handler are never supposed to be outside of. The defender that is on the ball handler is expected to be up close, hand in face to create turnovers on the outside. One other critical aspect of this defense is that it's designed to deny the baseline.
Defenders are taught to position themselves to not allow any baseline penetration, relying on help defense to close an adjusted drive to the center of the lane. At the top of the post, expect to see defenders attempt to position themselves somewhat in front of the opposing offensive player to prevent the easy pass to the top of the lane.
The key weakness of this defense is if a team can find open shooters on the perimeter AND hit those shots, the integrity of this defense begins to fall apart. The best way to attack this defense is not allow it to get set by beating the defense down in transition. After that though, employing a four out – one in offense, initially sending shooters to both corners with the ball handler and a second post player or fourth guard at the top of the key evenly spaced to either side, with a post player establishing to the ball handler side of the lane. Then the shooters need to begin constantly rotating around the baseline. This allows the offense to create opportunities either to find an initial open shooter or dribble penetration with the intent to kick out.
Another aspect that can help in attacking this defense are two quick perimeter passes across the top to get the defense moving their feet side to side, and then employing the dribble penetration back across the lane to force defenders to try to reverse their hips. If done quickly you either find open lanes or reaching defenders. Pedulla under control is the best option here but the teams concerning number of turnovers really impacts everything they do offensively. Employing blur screens under a teammate after passing them the ball opens gaps as well at the side, drawing a defender deep into the corner.
Offensively, Bennett has his team running what is called a Blocker Mover Offense on the other end of the court. This is a variation of the Motion Offense, allowing the primary ball handler at the top of the key to attempt to use a screen provided by one of two lane personnel near the top of the key. At the point of the screen, the ball handler decides either to drive the lane, kick out to an open shooter or attempt a down low pass to their second lane player, who usually moves across the basket down at the baseline block to create space for the driving guard. The defensive rotation is what drives the guard's decision-making process as he assesses what is in front of him.
The guard essentially has three options coming off the pick or can spin back out to reset for another play. The key for the Hokies will be to limit the times where we allow dribble penetration by Beekman and McNeely or allow a clean pass into the lower lane player for an easy layup by Dunn. The Wahoos have very methodical scoring, with possessions averaging 24 seconds. They are shooting 18 three-point attempts per game in ACC play, hitting 6.4 of them.
Wahoos Backcourt
Reece Beekman
2 SR G 6-3 174
12.7 Pts, 3.1 Reb, 5.9 Ast
Isaac McKneely
11 SO G 6-4 179
11.6 Pts, 3.1 Reb, 1.5 Ast
Jacob Groves
34 SR G 6-7 185
7.3 Pts, 2.6 Reb, 0.8 Ast
Andrew Rohde
4 SO G 6-6 185
5.8 Pts, 2.6 Reb, 3.1 Ast
Leon Bond
35 FR G 6-5 200
5.8 Pts, 3.6 Reb, 0.9 Ast
Taine Murray
10 JR G 6-5 207
2.9 Pts, 1.3 Reb, 0.8 Ast
Elijah Gertrude
12 FR G 6-4 180
3.8 Pts, 1.3 Reb, 0.5 Ast
Wahoos Frontcourt
Ryan Dunn
13 SO F 6-8 208
9.8 Pts, 6.6 Reb, 0.9 Ast
Blake Buchanan
0 FR F 6-11 215
3.8 Pts, 3.3 Reb, 0.5 Ast
What to expect from Virginia?
The Wahoos will run primarily a four guard and one smaller forward set. Virginia may be the smallest starting five in the ACC this season. They also may be the only conference opponent that wants the game to go slower than Coach Young. They take the 345th fewest shots in basketball while allowing only the 11th most shots. They want possessions on both ends to take as long as possible. This game could be like watching instant replays in slow motion.
Tony Bennett depends on the guard duo of Beekman and McNeely for nearly 45% of their scoring. Ryan Dunn adds another 10.2 ppg so the trio represent 57% of scoring. After these three though scoring falls off significantly as no one else averages more than 6.2 ppg.
Virginia is creating 13.8 turnovers while only turning the ball over 8.4 times per game. A difference of five possessions against most teams would be concerning but against Virginia it's a grand canyon divide.
Dunn and Taine both find ways to score in the lane at a high percentage. Dunn likes to slide in from the corner as a guard drives from the top of the key. It forces the defense to account for two scoring options attacking the basket simultaneously.
There is just something missing this season for a Tony Bennett squad. They come in one win better than the Hokies but have suffered far more disparate losses. Both teams lost to Wake by a wide margin. Virginia beat Louisville by more than the Hokies but their losses to Notre Dame and NC State were extremely ugly and not even as close as the scores indicated. Virginia loses when their shooting fails them. Their best shooting performance in losses was shooting 43% against NC State.
The Hokies
The turnovers and no Hunter Cattoor combined to derail the Hokies against Miami. 15 turnovers led to 15 points and without Cattoor, the Hokies saw Collins and Nickel combine for only 12 points. The duo was 3 for 13 from three. It just wasn't enough. Pedulla once again was the crux of the turnover issue with six.
𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 👨🍳🔥🔥🔥@PedullaSean picks up his 1st @accmbb POW honor!MORE: https://t.co/Y4gEwIxrTh pic.twitter.com/j6Pn0dVPX5— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) January 15, 2024
The defensive effort against Pack and Cleveland was terrible. Trying to prevent blow by dribble penetration, they left too much space for perimeter shooting. They also were unable to prevent either from getting to the rim as the duo combined for 40 points. The good news is that Virginia doesn't have that level of athleticism.
The aspect of the Hokies offense though that I question the most and could play a major factor against Virginia is the reluctance to use size advantage in the paint. Several times this season, the Hokies have chosen to not involve Lynn Kidd against much smaller competition and its quite telling the results. In the first half against Miami, Kidd had one basket on one attempt.
Shelton provided even more evidence this morning in his piece about Pedulla's usage rate and how that is a diversion from the norm for a Mike Young team. He pointed out prior years that in his time at Tech, the highest-usage player was Basile, Aluma twice and Landers Nolley. Lynn Kidd is still second on the team at about a 25% usage rate which is in line with the forwards mentioned above but it just hasn't shown the same results.
Its not who has the ball more but who has the ball in key situations and more and more that's been a one man show. If the Hokies are going to be more successful they have to be able to get the ball inside to Kidd and Poteat on a consistent basis, not the streaky way they seem to be doing in ACC play. Young's offense really relies on an inside out strategy and when you cant get it inside than it falls apart since Coach Young seems unwilling to shift strategy to employ more pick and roll plays or have multiple bigs on the floor together. Opponents know whats coming and rarely have to adjust to variables with the Hokies.
In terms of Hunter Cattoor, the last news we received was Monday from Coach Young.
Mike Young said Cattoor is feeling a lot better but has not yet been cleared to play Wed. at UVa— Mark Berman (@BermanRoanoke) January 15, 2024
In Closing
The Wahoos are at home for this one which has made a noticeable difference in their results. They are 8-0 at home but of those eight wins, the best win is over Syracuse, who also has a losing record in ACC play. We will be subjected to the incessant LED lights flashing during Hokies possessions because that has not changed.
Vegas expects the lowest scoring game involving the Hokies all season, nearly twenty points off the average and I tend to agree based on both coaches game plans of slow methodical offense. If the Hokies reach 65 points a win is very likely, anything under 60 puts the edge to Virginia.
Can the Hokies protect the basketball? In their ACC wins they have kept turnovers at about their season average of 11 per game but in their losses they turned the ball over 18 times against Wake, 16 times against FSU and 15 times against Miami. In games decided by two to three baskets typically a four or more possession swing changes the result dramatically.
As poor as the Hokies play has been in conference play, Virginia has been worse in terms of competitive performances. If the Hokies can get out to an early lead, Virginia may buckle as they have not shown resilience to get back into games. The biggest challenge for Virginia has been shooting the ball so getting closeouts and contesting shots are key to beating the Wahoos.
Comments
For all the complaints about a CMY offense, it seems ideal to beat the pack line. Good shooters around the perimeter with passes into the big man. Now we just need the shooters to step up.
Let's Go!
Hokies!!!
HOKIES!!!
Drink!!!
First time that I get to say that!
How is this even allowed?
No idea but have watched two Virginia home games this season and it happened in both and only during opponents possessions it seemed like.
It happens again, and film needs to be send to the NCAA rules enforcement committee anonymously reporting them.
I Seem to recall remarking on this last year. Didn't someone on here notify the athletic department through back channels?
Yes and it was all over social media as well but apparently nothing made it to the point of stopping it.
As long as they don't have a hammer on the sidelines, not a problem.
All eyes on warmups to see if Catoor is out there.
Giving up that backside cut wayyyyyy to easy
No technical on that rim hang? Going to be a long night
The play they just ran between Beekman and Minor is something the Hokies should be doing with Kidd
Hokies net marked safe from all shooting. 4th hairball of the night.
Poteat contacted by two Cavs on that shot but no call
Welp turnovers mounting early from sloppy passes
Nickel with the sloppy turnover in transition
Cattoor shot there counts as another turnover I believe
So far our play screams of why no prognosticators (sp??) think we are a tourney team.
But credit to Bennett. He is exposing the very obvious mannerisms of our team this year.
When we are bad we are BAD
Turnovers are still a problem. And there's no fouls really being called either way. We should thug it up, but we wont.
No and we are out of position underneath too much to have the chance anyway
Are we at ten turnovers already?
78
And 8 now. On pace for 20
Can airballs count as turnovers
Counts as wasted possessions of which we are up to about 16
Empty possessions is the stat that kills me. Everytime you possess the ball you should at least have one shot.
My rec league team could pass better than this team...and this is not hyperbole
Why recent, tv-based, game calling is excruciating to hear: the two people can't shut the f*#k up about non-game-related topics. So sick of interesting things happening on the court while the two commentators are talking about the crazy good burger they got in town for lunch earlier that day. And this isn't even anything particular about SG. Just a general plague of most ESPN-broadcasted games.
Back on topic: seen a few good calls finally going our way.
Nickel off balance, wide open....take your time and set your feet how you want them man!
At least it hit the rim.
Poteat up for rebound, Wahoo undercuts him completely but no whistle. That kind of night.
We've scored 4 points since the 11:00 mark. Add 5 of our 8 turnovers and that's a recipe for disaster. We can't make wide open shots and give up sloppy turnovers (and boneheaded mistakes like the two traveling calls).
And Nickel immediately steps out of bounds. TO #11.
Turning it off and watching a movie. Thanks for entertaining me for a half guys 😂 just can't do it with this MY same bs anymore. There's been zero scheme adjustment to take advantage of a not so good UVA team. Same ol same
You were entertained?!? Or are you talking about our comments? Haha
Just with the comments! Happy to have you guys to vent to despite someone down voting me 😂
We are scared, playing hot potato/not it with the basketball
I'm amazed we're only down by 7 and that they only have 25 at the half.
10 turnovers, 5 airballs and a couple other bonehead possessions....at least Cattoor hit that three
The end of the half was good at least. More of that please
That last series is how we need to play the rest of game. Speed it up, drive and dish. Work around for the 3. The fact that we're only down 7, despite not scoring for major stretches is a bit of a win. Regroup and come out pushing the ball. Slow game benefits them.
Only surprising stat is Virginia only has 4 points off turnovers
I've been casually watching this team since Thanksgiving. I'm not terribly invested until CMY either drastically changes some things or he's no longer the coach (I love the dude, but I don't think he's our guy. It is what it is unfortunately).
We are who we are. We will always be this with CMY at the helm. Outside of the miracle in Brooklyn a couple years ago I'm not entirely sure where we'd be at this moment.
So even E$PN covering ACC basketball has turned into an SEC infomercial at halftime. Kind of comical these used a clip with Seth Greenberg when he is calling this game.
Completely outclassed athletically by a UVA team that isn't terribly athletic.
I'm starting to think the ACC Tournament run was a fluke and we might have a Mike Young problem
A #7 seed run is almost certainly a fluke. What shouldn't have been a fluke would have been the upwards recovery trajectory from that regular season. But as we have seen, it's regressing and/or getting stagnant.
Next Saturday is going to be a tough game to watch.
Kidd with 1 shot so far. What the fuck are we doing?
What and I missing....why isn't Kidd playing at all?
He's not actually playing when he's in the game, so........
With ten minutes to go Kidd had four offensive touches. Zero effort to take advantage of a surprising size advantage with Kidd or Poteat
Seriously though....he hasn't been on the floor for almost all of the second half?
Box score says Kidd played 16 minutes. Wtf? Was he hurt?
So, you want to throw it into the post so they can get double teamed and then a) panic b) shuffle their feet c) throw it away d) all of the above?
No, would prefer the coaching staff was willing to make in game adjustments to create opportunities inside rather than staying in the U Dot four out one in every time down the floor. Our movement off ball is horrendous and doesn't force any opponent to adjust. There never seem to be more than two Hokies involved in the offense on any play. Nothing to get opponents feet moving where we want them to go. We can't even execute inside out passing. No attempt at seeing what having two bigs on the floor together might create. Just zero creativity from this staff.
This defensive rotation is about the worst I've ever seen. And it is related to, in large part, the fact that we are not remotely athletic. The lack of effort on that screen and roll is embarrassing.
Unfortunately there it is. So many issues I can't even bring myself to list them.
Proud of our effort. We didn't get boat raced like other games at JPJ. W head our opportunities, just missed a lot of open looks. We'll get 'em at Cassell. LET'S GO!!
At the end of the season no one will care if we even the score when we host Virginia. We are doing nothing to boost our tourney résumé. Sure, it'll feel good to exact revenge, but that won't age well when we are sitting at home after round 2 of the ACC tourney.
I really appreciate your positive attitude for the team, I really do. I am just trying to not let my Hokie Goggles affect realistic expectations.
It's been said already and I am joining the ranks. I don't think our future is CMY. He'll do well to hang around the middle pack of the ACC, but he'll never be a dominating force. It sucks, but it is what it is. We are not pulling in individual talent players that can make significant plays on their own on a consistent basis. Our players ebb and flow way too much to be a disturbance in the top tier of the ACC.
Hopefully Whit learned his lesson with Fuente. I am hoping he is reaching out with his feelers for someone to replace CMY soon, before we slide down to the dregs of the ACC.
Count me in. He isn't the guy I thought he was. Just not a good in-game coach and very slow to adjust.
I'm upset that the UVA basketball team outscored the VT football team.
Well at least we only had 5 turnovers in the 2nd half
I'm telling ya. 6-14 at best in the ACC. This team stinks. Just like Fuente, coach MY is failing to develop or retain his top talent.
This is just not an ACC roster. Outside of Pedulla and Cattoor, we don't have anyone who would earn meaningful minutes on another ACC squad. (Maybe kidd, but he's jekyll and hyde). This team plays like a slow break men's league team
I won't write off Rechsteiner Young or Nickel but the rest could probably go. Seeing those two freshmen play though makes me question why we didn't get the same small sample of Buchanan last season.
I so wanted to be wrong about CMY. I found his overall resume to be meh. He immediately won me over with his personality of "Beamer in Sneakers" and the general upward trend of the program.
I think I was right, and I hate it.
That was tough to watch. I had a bad feeling about our streaky offense on the road against a consistently stout defense and I was right. Offense just looks useless as soon as the threes stop dropping.
If it weren't for the 276 unforced turnovers, we may have had a chance