More Random Basketball Thoughts: 13 Games In

Last night, the Hokies took on Maryland-Eastern Shore in Cassell Coliseum in the final non-conference game and won handily, 92-37. Like Coach Young said "they're not the Boston Celtics." Even with a 55-point margin of victory it felt like it could have been worse for the Hawks. This was my seventh "live look" from behind press row, and here are my five thoughts:

First, Red Panda has been replaced as the premier halftime entertainment. I'll take Mutts Gone Nuts as often as VT will have them. These dogs have a grand time performing and even pulled off a double-dutch jump rope routine that made my 13-year-old daughter envious. The dogs are all rescues and put on an unbelievably energetic show.

@Miss_Trish911 @911disbitch Check out these rescues.... Gotta love the pups. pic.twitter.com/Cq3QpFcLgZ— Lee Watson (@lwatson1689) December 29, 2019

Second, our ACC season is going to be, in a word, interesting. We clearly have the talent and ability to play with any team in the conference, which is amazing given where many Hokies thought we would be. That said, my top concern is about the speed of conference play. There were positive comments made about VT only committing two turnovers against UMES, but there would probably have been at least five in the first half against ACC opponents. UMES simply wasn't quick enough to the ball. I'd venture to say those moments tie directly to the "technical things we need to work on" Coach Young mentioned in the post-game.

Third, this team is maturing quickly. Freshman John Ojiaku continues to grow into the game, and at 6' 10" if he is able to contribute in ACC play the loss of Blackshear will be less painful. Ojiaku's floor presence is improved, and he had a season-high 15 points against UMES. Hunter Cattoor is another major contributor. Cattoor's style of play would've looked right at home with Duke or UNC, especially in the 80's. He can handle the ball, is wickedly aggressive (11 steals), plays smart, and can shoot anywhere this side of half-court.

Fourth, we can't talk about this team without bringing up Coach Young's bench management. We could (in Madden's voice) say "we're a streaky team and we win when we shoot well." That doesn't do Coach Young justice. He's proven that he will full hockey shift-change when needed. The bench has enough playing time that if someone has an off game, there's someone else to shoot. VT doesn't have a player averaging over 29 minutes per game; nine of our eleven players average more than 10 minutes. By comparison UVA has four players above 30, and only three more averaging 10+ on a roster of 14.

Fifth, Landers Nolley had a really solid game. His first three-pointer connected with 18:30 left in the first half, and he didn't look back. If I had to pick one thing out of the UMES game to bring forward, that's it. VT needs him to have that shooter's confidence heading into ACC play. Nolley's body language speaks volumes – he wants EVERY shot to fall.

I'll wrap up with a couple bonus observations. Several people mentioned early on we needed Wabissa Bede to drive the lane. He's doing that, even though his shots haven't been falling. He's shown he can drop it to the post or kick it out to the wing off the drive, even though that's where a couple of turnovers have come. Tyrece Radford has shown a willingness to drive as well. It's reasonable to expect continued improvement, even as we go to ACC play. Lastly, this team has vision and fast hands. They keep their collective heads on a swivel and can play deceptively long-armed and disruptive on defense.

Overall, this is a fun group to watch, and I wouldn't be surprised to see us with 7-9 more conference wins by the time the ACC heads to Greensboro.