Virginia

[SpecialKHawk]

Anyone who accuses Bennett of piling on in a game knows nothing of him. And while Tony Bennett and Dick Bennett share a similar approach on the court, they are very different off the court. Dick was consumed by basketball to the point he had to get out for his own health; to this day, he has a hard time even watching UVA games on TV. While Tony is focused when he is on the court, he has a much more balanced approach to life.

As to UVA's out-of-conference schedule, it was widely ranked as one of the five toughest last year, with games against Villanova, Ohio State (road game), West Virginia (neutral site) and California, all of whom we beat.

Why does EVERY top team schedule some cupcakes as well as tougher games out of conference? So their coaches have a chance to go deeper into their bench and experiment with combinations. That's why Iowa State played the Citadel this week and scored 130 points. (The Citadel is ranked 322 by Kenpom; Grambling is ranked 342). Three of Iowa State's starters logged more than 20 minutes while two walk-ons got 3 minutes each. That's why Iowa scheduled UT Rio Grande Valley, which is ranked 345.

As for scheduling power 5 teams, we do: After our game against Iowa, we play either Providence of Memphis, than play Ohio State and West Virginia, with a game later in December at California - that's five good opponents in 26 days.

You do not have to explain to me about the reasoning for scheduling some cupcakes but by the same token do not bring out the harps & violins song and dance that Tony B feels so bad pounding an opponent.

Yes we play our own cupcakes and actually need some of these this year especially with a young team with 1 returning starter. If you look at our box score Jok played 19 minutes against Rio whatever. Dailey who is our last scholly player played the final 11 minutes. Fran did a complete line change in he first half when the lead got to 20 early which the second team blew. The crowds here hate these games and rarely show up. There's no glory in pounding these teams.

Last this is the U of Iowa board not Iowa State. Not sure what it matters who they schedule and play to us? We have one mandatory meeting a season that's all we share in common.

 

[UVAbasketball]

You do not have to explain to me about the reasoning for scheduling some cupcakes but by the same token do not bring out the harps & violins song and dance that Tony B feels so bad pounding an opponent.

Yes we play our own cupcakes and actually need some of these this year especially with a young team with 1 returning starter. If you look at our box score Jok played 19 minutes against Rio whatever. Dailey who is our last scholly player played the final 11 minutes. Fran did a complete line change in he first half when the lead got to 20 early which the second team blew. The crowds here hate these games and rarely show up. There's no glory in pounding these teams.

Last this is the U of Iowa board not Iowa State. Not sure what it matters who they schedule and play to us? We have one mandatory meeting a season that's all we share in common.

The point is every top team schedules cup cakes before conference play starts. Iowa State was an example.

You are the one who wrote, So why is he scheduling Grambling State in the first place if he cares so much? There are plenty of power 5 teams like us to beat up on by 20'ish.

If you are going to ask the question, and suggest it was because Tony Bennett gets a kick out of beating teams by 50 points, then maybe you shouldn't be annoyed when someone provides an answer.

It's Thanksgiving in 30 minutes. Have a good one with family and friends.

 

[Tierney]

I know you don't follow Virginia so let me fill you in about both the game against Grambling State and head coach Tony Bennett. None of our starters logged more than 17 minutes in the game. Three walk-ons (non-scholarship players) received double digit minutes each. The ninth player in our rotation logged the most minutes. So you see, Virginia did the OPPOSITE of piling it on. Virginia benched their starters for most of the game and instead played walk-ons who had never scored a basket before this game.

That says something about Bennett, who said after the game, with a pained look in his face, that he did not enjoy seeing an opponent down by that much, that he was on the wrong end of a similar score when he coached Washington State (against Oklahoma State). Bennett's first priority as a coach is to help raise young men realize their potential as people. He actually teaches players what he call his five pillars: humility, passion, unity, servanthood and thankfulness. It's one reason UVA players are so unselfish on offense and so hard-working on defense.

I'm sure they are a pretty good team, and it is true I don't really know anything about Virginia basketball. I remember watching Sampson when he played there. It doesn't sound like he let up any in the game though. It would be alright with me if Virginia has a great season outside of the Iowa game.

 

[SpecialKHawk]

The point is every top team schedules cup cakes before conference play starts. Iowa State was an example.

You are the one who wrote, So why is he scheduling Grambling State in the first place if he cares so much? There are plenty of power 5 teams like us to beat up on by 20'ish.

If you are going to ask the question, and suggest it was because Tony Bennett gets a kick out of beating teams by 50 points, then maybe you shouldn't be annoyed when someone provides an answer.

It's Thanksgiving in 30 minutes. Have a good one with family and friends.

Here are your words trying to paint your coach as a victim of circumstance...,

That says something about Bennett, who said after the game, with a pained look in his face, that he did not enjoy seeing an opponent down by that much,

That elicited my response...

So why is he scheduling Grambling State in the first place if he cares so much? There are plenty of power 5 teams like us to beat up on by 20'ish.

Virginia is excellent team and should take us apart as this group is too young and inexperienced to handle the defensive pressure.

Likewise...have a nice Thanksgiving with you and your family.