Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 4, 1995 TAG: 9501040076
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
In all the preseason hype that surrounded the Virginia men's basketball team, nobody raised the possibility that the Cavaliers might not make the NCAA Tournament.
Nobody is pushing the panic button as Virginia (6-3) starts the ACC portion of its schedule, but there is cause for concern.
``We never do anything the easy way,'' said coach Jeff Jones, affiliated with the program since 1978 as a player or coach. ``I guess that is the Virginia way.''
In two of the past three seasons, the Cavaliers have been 6-3 or worse after nine games. The exception was 1992-93, when UVa was 7-0 entering conference play.
``Yeah, but who did we play?'' Jones asked, referring to the 1992-93 team.
The Cavaliers played six of their first seven games at home that season, but nobody can say UVa's early-season schedule has been brutal this season. Seven of their first nine games have been at home, none against teams that were ranked when the Cavaliers played them.
Virginia's best victory, a season-opening 83-80 triumph over Old Dominion, probably won't help the Cavaliers' power ranking because the Monarchs are likely to struggle without center Odell Hodge, lost for the season following reconstructive knee surgery.
Comparisons have been made to 1993-94, but last season the Cavaliers entered conference play with a three-game winning streak, including victories over Minnesota and Nevada-Las Vegas, beating UNLV on the road. Moreover, Virginia's first two ACC games were at home.
Four of UVa's first five conference games this season are on the road, starting at 9 p.m. today at Florida State. The Cavaliers have not played since losing to Stanford 64-60 on Dec.22.
``I sensed a great deal of discouragement in the team after the Stanford game, which is understandable but is not necessarily the best feeling you want going into conference play,'' Jones said. ''We're not feeling good about ourselves right now, not that we've done a whole lot to feel good about.''
In 1993-94, Virginia was known for its fantastic comebacks, with 10 of the Cavaliers' 18 victories coming after they trailed in the second half. This season, it's as if UVa doesn't start playing until it falls hopelessly behind - by more than 20 points in losses to Ohio University and Vanderbilt.
``It's a lack of a sense of urgency,'' Jones said. ``The players have to realize it's not OK to give up an easy basket. Ever. It's not OK to make a stupid turnover. Ever.''
Clearly, UVa has not received the kind of consistent play it might have wanted from point guard Cory Alexander, but Jones challenges anybody who believes Alexander has the NBA on his mind.
``If I sensed that, he wouldn't be playing, now or ever,'' Jones said. ``There are a couple of different theories on Cory's play, all of which could be valid, but instead of looking back I'd like to look forward.''
More than anything, Alexander has been plagued by streaky shooting, a problem throughout his career. In UVa's losses, he has shot 12-for-42 (28.6 percent) from the field. In the victories, he has gone 41-of-82 (50.0).
Jones said he has been pleased with the performances of three players: senior forward Junior Burrough, junior center Chris Alexander and sophomore guard Harold Deane.
Maybe the biggest disappointment for Jones has been the play of Jason Williford and Jamal Robinson, who share the small-forward spot. Many were expecting greatness from Robinson when he was named first-team All-ACC Tournament as a freshman.
``I think Jamal took that for granted,'' Jones said. ``I think he's come to realize it's not going to be as easy as it might have seemed.''
The trouble is, neither Williford nor Robinson has stayed on the floor long enough to make an impact. Robinson is committing 6.4 fouls per 40 minutes and Williford is averaging 6.3.
``Jason has had a problem with stupid and silly fouls for his whole career,'' Jones said. ``Nobody charges more, nobody reaches more. Jamal's [fouls] are more a case of poor decisions and being out of position.''
Jones said the Cavaliers may have to hide some of their defensive liabilities by playing more zone, but that's an age-old Virginia response. None of UVa's last seven opponents has shot better than 40 percent from the field, so it isn't poor defense that is beating the Cavaliers.
``I realize that,'' Jones said. ``I think there has been an adjustment period to trying to run and realizing we can run without taking quick shots. We've done a poor job of moving without the ball; consequently, we're shooting a lot of guarded shots.''
Maybe the biggest difference in this season's team is new coaches Anthony Solomon and Pete Herrmann. Tom Perrin has moved up to ``full-time'' status, with Herrmann taking over Perrin's old position as restricted-earnings coach.
Former aides Dennis Wolff and Brian Ellerbe took head coach's jobs at Boston University and Loyola, Md., respectively. Wolff, for one, had a rapport with the UVa players that was hard to replace.
``There's an adjustment period,'' Jones said. ``As far as teaching and coaching, that would be a weak excuse. As far as getting to know the players, maybe you could say that. But at some point, not referring to any specific situation, the kids need to grow up.''
by CNB