Beekman more vocal as he takes over leadership of ’23-’24 Cavaliers

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia basketball fans are excited about getting their first look at the new Cavaliers’ men’s team in the Blue-White scrimmage (see related story for details on men’s and women’s game, starting times, autograph sessions, etc.), but there’s one thing for certain — this is Reece Beekman’s team.

The senior point guard tested the NBA waters after last season, took part in the combine and learned a lot about his game before declaring he would return for his final year of eligibility. It was the best thing that could have happened to UVA basketball.

“We’re extremely excited and thankful that he chose to come back for one more,” UVA associate head coach Jason Williford said during “The Jerry & Jerry Show” this week.

While the Cavaliers officially began practicing recently, Williford has had enough opportunities to observe the returning ACC Defensive Player of the Year in action, and likes what he has seen.

“I think he’s taken on that leadership role,” Williford said. “Being more vocal, trying to encourage and teach the new guys, the transfers, the first-years. He’s been much more vocal than he has been in the past.

“But the biggest thing is his confidence, having coming back from the combine. You go in, you’re going up against some of the best at your position in the country, all trying to make it to that next level. And so, I think you come back with a sense of, ‘Hey, I’m pretty good.’ There’s that leadership that he’s taken on and he’s just being more assertive, which we need.”

National basketball reporter Andy Katz recently published his list of the top 10 defensive players in the country and omitted Beekman from the list, while many of the nation’s best college basketball analysts raved about the Virginia guard last season.

Williford said that’s okay with him.

“I love it,” Williford said. “I love it when people count us out. I like having a chip on our shoulder. I’m sure Reece has probably seen that and that’s just some fuel to the fire. We like that underdog, ‘Rocky’ mentality.”

Coach Tony Bennett’s office at JPJ is adorned by a “Rocky” poster.

Beekman waited until the 11th hour to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and announce his return to the team.

“I’ve decided to go back to UVA to work towards being a first-round draft pick next year and finish my degree,” Beekman said of his decision back in the summer.