The Virginia basketball team finally returns to the floor this week as the start of the 2016-17 season begins. The Cavaliers compiled 89 wins over the last three seasons and climbed to the Elite Eight last March, leaving Wahoos everywhere eager to see what the next chapter holds.

Some of the excitement comes from the unknown. For the first time in recent seasons, the path to success is a little less clear. Many of the biggest contributors have now finished their careers. Malcolm Brogdon, ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and Anthony Gill, in particular, carried heavy loads the past three years while the Hoos rose to elite status nationally.

This season, six newcomers could be part of the equation. Transfer Austin Nichols becomes eligible after sitting out last season as does redshirt freshman Mamadi Diakite. True freshmen Kyle Guy, Jay Huff, De’Andre Hunter, and Ty Jerome bring a lot of high school and recruiting service accolades to the table as well. While those six players begin their Cavalier careers with an arguably more talented starting point than the classes before them, their development ultimately will determine the program’s future.

What does all of that mean for the upcoming season? As always, I’ve decided to tackle 10 preseason questions facing Tony Bennett’s Virginia basketball team. The first five appear in Part I with five more to follow in Part II. Let’s hit the hardwood for some answers.

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