Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 16, 1994 TAG: 9411160126
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Cavaliers are considered one of the favorites, but their coach does not have fond memories of either the Preseason NIT or Old Dominion, the Cavaliers' first-round opponent at 7:30 p.m. today at University Hall.
In its only previous Preseason NIT appearance, UVa lost to Temple 79-75 in 1986-87. As for Old Dominion, the Monarchs defeated the Cavaliers 76-69 last season in Norfolk.
``To say that last year's game has been forgotten is an untruth,'' said Jones, who was not pleased when UVa co-captain Cornel Parker, from Norfolk, was booed during pregame introductions.
Old Dominion, playing for new coach Jeff Capel, welcomes back the top three scorers from a team that finished 21-10 last season. The Monarchs boast the Colonial Athletic Association's player of the year, Odell Hodge from Henry County.
Fellow seniors Petey Sessoms and Mike Jones had 29 and 28 points, respectively, in a 95-94 exhibition victory over the Croatian national team.
Jones said he was inclined to go with the same lineup the Cavaliers used in their two exhibitions, which would include 6-foot-9 junior Chris Alexander instead of 1993-94 starter Yuri Barnes at center.
Another '93-94 starter, Jason Williford, has a sprained ankle and will be replaced either by sophomore Jamal Robinson or freshman Curtis Staples from Roanoke. Robinson was working with the first team before respiratory problems caused him to miss several practices.
The game will mark the return to action of UVa guard Cory Alexander, the Cavaliers' leading scorer in 1992-93, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the first game last season.
``The good thing I've seen is Cory Alexander has not taken a day off,'' Jones said. ``He's been at every practice and in nearly every possession. I've tried to talk to him about not being so unselfish.''
The winner of tonight's game will play Friday against either Ohio State or Ohio University in a game that may be shown by ESPN at 9:35 p.m.
``I really, really don't care anything about the second round right now,'' Jones said.
UVa announced Tuesday that all three men's basketball recruits who made early commitments have signed letters of intent with the Cavaliers. They are 6-5 Courtney Alexander from Durham, N.C.; 6-9 Scott Johnson from Marietta, Ga.; and 6-6 Darryl Presley from Adelphi, Md.
by CNB