By Jerry Ratcliffe
The biggest basketball showdown in state history will tip off Tuesday evening at John Paul Jones Arena.
For the first time ever, both host Virginia and visiting Virginia Tech are ranked in the nation’s top 10. The Cavaliers are No. 4 in the writer’s poll, No. 1 in the coaches poll. The Hokies are No. 9, and 7, respectively.
Virginia remains one of only two undefeated teams in the nation and Virginia Tech’s aim is to knock the Cavaliers from their perch, the same way it did in Charlottesville last season.
However, to listen to how Hokies coach Buzz Williams tells it, Tech’s goal almost appears unachievable.
“I think [Virginia] was good enough to win the national championship last year and I think they’re good enough to win the national championship this year,” Williams said.
“I think they’re running more stuff than they’ve ever run since I’ve been at Virginia Tech,” Williams continued. “A much wider [offensive] catalogue. They have more offensive weapons, they’re playing more personnel groupings than in years past and I think that’s why their play catalogue is larger. They’re doing it with more versatility.”
Williams pointed out that while Tony Bennett’s team still runs a lot of the core things they’ve always run at UVA, the more playable depth than in years past is allowing the Cavaliers to do more on the offensive end.
Bennett, who was described by Williams as a coach who will become an early entry into the Basketball Hall of Fame someday, was flattered by his rival’s analysis of his team. However, Bennett knows beating the Hokies will be a major challenge no matter where the game is played.
Bennett shares the same theory as Alabama football coach Nick Saban when it comes to flattery. They both consider it “rat poison,” that will consume anyone who swallows such compliments.
Instead, Bennett has learned a lot from big-time battles from a high-rankings perch.
“The team that is more ready for 40 minutes is the best team for that day,” Bennett said. “Otherwise [rankings] are inconsequential. Once you step between the lines, it’s not significant.
“Here’s a simple thought: just go 1-0,” Bennett said. “It sounds trivial. But you know in this league with quality opponents, it’s going to be hard fought.”
Bennett said the Hokies have improved defensively and they always play Virginia tough in Charlottesville.
“How we attack [Tech’s defense] and get the quality looks offensively is important,” Bennett said.
“Both programs respect each other and know it’s going to be hard fought. Two in-state teams, intensity and high level [basketball],” Bennett said. “That makes for an exciting atmosphere for sure.”
