For those who remember the recruitment of Majestic Mapp, they’ll remember that he was one of the top true point guards in the nation coming out of high school. He was referred to as ‘Majik’ for his ability to pass the ball in a similar fashion to former NBA great Magic Johnson. Mapp seemed to always know which guy was open and where to get them the ball.

His skills were showcased on national television when he participated in the McDonald’s All-American game and later with Magic Johnson’s Roundball Classic in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While playing against a team that included high school superstars Kenny Satterfield, Jason Kapono, Michael Dunleavey, Jason Richardson, Jonathan Bender and Carlos Boozer, Mapp managed to rack up nine assists in 24 minutes of play. It helped that Mapp had Lavell Blanchard, Leon Smith, DeMarr Johnson and Keith Bogans on his squad, but Mapp showed his ability to pass the ball effectively with almost no practice time with those players. The fact that he passed the ball so much in an all-star game showed that he was a bit different than most guards who participate in these events. Mapp simply loves to pass the ball, and that’s a dying art in basketball today.

On his official visit to Virginia, Mapp was unable to view the inside of University Hall because it was closed for repair at the time. Still, Mapp trusted in what Coach Pete Gillen was doing and became the first high-profile recruit to commit to the University of Virginia for the new Cavalier head coach. Mapp became the first of a foundation of top recruits that would eventually sign that year. His commitment helped to bring in one of the nation’s top power forwards in Travis Watson and what would now appear to be the gem of the class in shooting guard Roger Mason (now playing with the Chicago Bulls). His commitment almost landed high profile recruit LaVell Blanchard as well, but the offer from Michigan to play directly across the street from his home was too much for the Cavaliers to overcome.

At UVa, Mapp’s playing time increased over his freshman year while backing up junior point guard Donald Hand. As the season progressed, Hand saw his late-game minutes decrease in ACC competition due to the improvement of Mapp. Although just a freshman, Mapp brought poise and leadership to the position. In Gillen’s pressing style defense, Mapp was relentless, forcing turnovers and helping to finish the break. He also brought an ability to pass the ball effectively, something that Hand had struggled with throughout most of his career. Mapp earned late-game minutes in three of the team’s most impressive home ACC contests; wins over North Carolina and Maryland and an overtime loss to top-ranked Duke.

While Mapp’s overall numbers (in terms of field goal percentage and assist to turnover ratio) weren’t much different than Hand’s that year, he seemed to have a way of keeping the team together in late game situations, something the Hoos really needed. I was evident to many that Mapp would be Virginia’s point guard of the future.

In the off-season prior to his sophomore year, Mapp was preparing to lead the team and take extensive minutes from senior Donald Hand. Many assumed that Mapp could take the starting position away from the senior point guard by the start of the ACC season. In unsupervised summer practices, it was evident that Mapp was gaining the support and respect of his teammates. When things got out of control it was often Mapp, not Hand, who would bark at his teammates to get back on track and stick to what they needed to work on in preparation for the upcoming season. Things were indeed looking good for the team and for Majestic, and then the unthinkable happened.

Later that summer Mapp tore the ACL in his knee while participating in a pickup basketball game at home in New York. After what appeared to have been routine reconstructive surgery, Mapp seemed to be progressing nicely and primed for a mid-season return. But complications with the knee arose, and Mapp was forced to undergo a couple of knee scopes to try and repair the problems. After more rehab, Mapp was still unable to get back to normal and decided to fly to California for a second opinion, and eventually had to undergo another ACL reconstruction. With one season lost and another to be lost for his junior year, it was not looking good for Mapp and his to return to basketball. But Majestic never gave up. He fought through the pain and the disappointment. He spent countless hours in the weight and training rooms. He stood on the sideline with his teammates and rooted them on every game, becoming part cheerleader and part assistant coach, all the while keeping himself as involved as possible.

Last season, to the delight of many, Mapp returned to the court against ACC foe Wake Forest. His debut was an inspiring performance in which entered the game late in the first half and brought the team back from a double digit deficit to win. But Mapp was not totally back to 100 percent and it started to show over the rest of the season. While Mapp could run the team and pass the ball, he could not handle the physical pressure from defenders and could not move quickly enough to be an adequate defender for extended minutes. While he looked good at times, he simply did not have it at others. Perhaps much of this was rust and maybe some of his play was due to concern with the knee, but it was evident that Mapp would have to work much harder if he was to gain valuable playing time for the 2003-04 season.

So here we are, about to begin the new season, and UVa is in desperate need of an experienced point guard. Jermaine Harper and Keith Jenifer are no longer with the team, but neither really showed the ability to run the team during ACC-level competition. Todd Billet’s ability and shooting skills at the two-guard position are much too valuable to go to waste at point guard. That leaves only Mapp and newcomers T. J. Bannister and J.R. Reynolds as viable options at the point. Bannister has the skills to play the position, but asking 30+ minutes per game from a true freshman in ACC play might be asking a little too much, too soon. Reynolds was not asked to play much at the point in the orange-blue scrimmage, so who knows where he stands with regard to playing point. It is likely that Reynolds is just being groomed at the two-position with point guard recruit Sean Singletary coming in next season. Right now, Mapp seems to be the only real option to help the team at that position, at least in terms of knowledge of the game, experience and leadership.

If Mapp can show that he’s back to or at least close to 100 percent, he will be the breath of fresh air that fans (and the coaches) have been waiting on for several years. Virginia needs a court leader more than ever, and if healthy, Mapp could be the guy. Coaches state that he still needs to earn the position, but anyone who knows Majestic understands that it shouldn’t be a problem, especially after witnessing the orange-blue scrimmage last Sunday evening when he led the blue team with a 58-47 victory over the Bannister-led orange team. Mapp’s team only included one starter from last season’s squad, junior transfer Devin Smith. Bannister had three starters from last season in shooting guard Todd Billet, forward Derrick Byars and center Elton Brown.

Mapp has incredible instincts when it comes to passing the ball. His leadership skills and court awareness are unmatched by any other on the roster, which is a good reason why he’s listed as one of the team’s tri-captains this season. If you’re looking for a floor leader and a player to keep the team under control, Mapp’s your man. Majestic is determined and focused, and he demands the same of his teammates. When he’s on the floor, you can almost bet that the other four players will be playing hard with him.

But there are two things that Majestic will have to do well this season in order to earn and hold on to a starting spot.

Offensively, Mapp will need to be able to knock down the open shot. This is something he’s been working on throughout his entire rehabilitation process, and his efforts should pay off this season. After nailing an open three pointer in the orange-blue scrimmage last weekend, it appears that Mapp is heading the right direction. But his ability to pass the ball, control tempo and lead the team could be more valuable than his ability to hit the open shot. There are a lot of scorers on Virginia’s team this year, so the ability for Mapp to score shouldn’t be of the greatest importance, but he will have to be better than he was last season.

Defensively, Mapp will be tested more than ever. Before his injury, there wasn’t anyone tougher on the Virginia team. He drew some extremely tough defensive assignments as a freshman, going head to head with the likes of Duke’s Jason Williams and Maryland’s Steve Blake. Often, it was Mapp’s efforts during full-court pressure situations that caused numerous turnovers and breakaway baskets for the Hoos. In a tough struggle against Richmond, Mapp and several bench players led a second half comeback where the Spiders did not cross mid-court on five straight possessions.

It’s doubtful that Mapp will be as great a defensive player as he once was, and that might be the only thing that keeps his minutes down this season. But that’s one of many things that Mapp is trying to improve on with his comeback to the game. If he’s successful, it will become one of the greatest feel-good stories in UVa sports history.

We caught up with Mapp before and after the scrimmage last weekend to hear his thoughts on his comeback, the team’s change in attitude and chemistry, and his future with the program and beyond.

Sabre Edge: Last season you tried to make your comeback, but it was apparent that you weren’t 100 percent. Talk about your health heading into the season

Mapp: This is the best I’ve felt since my injury. I just thank God everyday that I’m still able to play. For the most part, I’ve been able to have a good summer. I worked out all summer and preseason with the team. I finally got a chance to get some basketball back under my belt, rather than rehabbing.

Sabre Edge: How’s your stamina? Have you been able to get back to basketball playing shape?

Mapp: Yes, definitely. I’ve been doing everything with the team – working out in the preseason and summer with Lorenzo [Rivers] as far as strength training [is concerned]. With the preseason [practices], I’ve been able to run all of the sprints and do everything else the team is doing. So I’m doing pretty good.

Sabre Edge: Last season, you appeared to have difficulty bringing the ball up the floor when defenders would put physical pressure on you. Have you gained additional strength and confidence in the knee where this won’t be a problem this season?

Mapp: Definitely. We have T.J. Bannister, who’s a pretty good defensive player. Coach Gillen makes him guard me every day in practice. That helps a lot because he can pressure the ball really well. Being able to practice against that is going to help during the season.

Sabre Edge: As a freshmen, you started taking over a lot of the late game minutes in ACC play and becoming a court leader for the team. Now that you’re healthy, do you feel you can get back to being a floor leader, not just a leader on the bench?

Mapp: I do feel like I can be a leader. I’ve been here for a long time. I’ve seen a lot of ball games. I wasn’t able to participate in most of them, but I feel like I can be a leader. I will now be able to lead by example.

Sabre Edge: The team has failed late in the year for a couple of years now. Every year we hear about how there’s a new attitude and that things will be different, but talk is cheap. What’s different about this season? Do you feel that there’s a real change in attitude and discipline this time around?

Mapp: Definitely. A lot of people have changed their attitudes for the most part. I think it starts with the coaches and what they think is going to help this team most – which is character. I think it starts by going to class and doing the little things. I think the team is changing their whole attitude.

Sabre Edge: Have you seen the difference in the off-season?

Mapp: It’s coming along. The change has been good. Everybody’s starting to come along.

Sabre Edge: Are you getting the respect from the younger players in terms of being the coach on the floor?

Mapp: Yes, definitely. I think [the players] respect me and we’re respecting each other as leaders. All of us just have to come together [as a team] and show respect for one another.

Sabre Edge: Talk about the season coming up. What are your expectations as a team?

Mapp: Realistically, our goal is to win 20 games and get to the NCAA Tournament and do some damage. That’s a very realistic goal and that’s what we’re shooting for – nothing less.

Sabre Edge: Out of the five newcomers, who has impressed you the most?

Mapp: For the most part, all five of them are very good. They all have a lot of talent. But Gary Forbes and J.R. Reynolds have been spectacular. We’ve just been trying to get them some touches because they can really shoot the ball. Gary is a good slasher and J.R. can flat out shoot from long range. And Donte [Minter] has been good as well. We’ve got some good freshmen and we just need to gel.

Sabre Edge: With the loss of Travis Watson and Jason Clark (for part of this season), who will Virginia depend on to get the rebounds?

Mapp: The coaches have just been preaching to everybody to rebound. We have to look for Elton to get more rebounds, of course. He’s a horse and he’s bigger than everybody else out there. For the most part, we’ve been preaching that everybody has to rebound and everybody has to get on the boards and get dirty.

Sabre Edge: The offensive philosophy seemed to change a little over the last couple of years. Will the team be getting back to the pressure, running style that was present when you got here?

Mapp: Yes. We think that if we play fast, we can get back to the [NCAA] Tournament. I think that’s what got us there when I first got here, and that’s what we’re trying to do now. Coach Gillen has been preaching ‘push the ball up the court, push the ball up the court’ and that’s what we’re trying to do. Get fast shots, get quick shots, but make shots. No rushed shots or bad shots, but we want to play fast.

Sabre Edge: With the quickness of the freshmen players, will we see the full court press more this year?

Mapp: Definitely. I think we’re just going to play fast and that’s going to depend on the full court press – no half court. Now, you know we’re going to have to play some half court and slow tempo games, because teams are going to look to play zone [on us]. But we want to play fast.

Sabre Edge: The only thing that might restrict you now would be defensively. How are things in terms of your knee and handling your defensive assignments?

Mapp: My leg is perfectly fine. It’s been fine for the last six months now. As far as my stamina, I’ve been able to run as hard as I possibly can. I’m in good shape and trying to get in great shape.

Sabre Edge: As a freshman, one of your assets was the ability to play excellent defense, especially with the full court press. Do you feel you’re back to where you can apply that kind of defense?

Mapp: [My defense] is coming along. I think my whole game is coming along, to be honest with you. It just takes a while. It took me 18 years to learn the game of basketball, and it’s going to take a while to get it all back. The coaches have been making me play a lot more full court pressure, because they want see if I can do it. It’s been pretty good so far. It’s not great yet, but none of us are great yet. As I get better the team will get better.

Sabre Edge: What do you think you need to do in terms of improvement to earn the starting role this season?

Mapp: For the most part, I just need to get better defensively and just prove it. I think I’ve been doing a good job of that in practice. I’m just trying to get better with my full court defense. Once I get that down, hopefully I’ll be able to get out there more. Right now, I just want to help the team win and be a leader and do whatever the coach wants me to do. Whether that’s the starting role, playing ten minutes per game or playing 30, whatever [Coach Gillen] wants, I want to be able to do it. Of course, I want to be out there.

Sabre Edge: Being out of the action for a couple of years must have been a trying experience. But, did it help you in terms of knowledge of the game and a different perspective of what goes on in terms of where people are supposed to be and their roles?

Mapp: Yes, I’ve definitely learned more. Just being around the coaches, I’ve gotten a chance to gain knowledge. Hopefully that knowledge will carry over to the court.

Sabre Edge: Would this help you in terms of possibly being a future coach? Is that something you think you might pursue?

Mapp: Yes. Eventually, when I’m done [playing], I want to be a head coach at the highest level.

Sabre Edge: It’s still a year away, but are you going to apply to the NCAA for a sixth year of college eligibility?

Mapp: Hopefully so. I love this school. I love the coaches. I love everybody around here. I just want to get a chance. If that entitles me to have a sixth year, then I’ll be here. I want to be here.

Sabre Edge: What’s that going to take? Is that going to take a recommendation from the coaches, or are they going to have to ask you back for that to happen?

Mapp: Yes, most likely. That’s probably what’s it’s going to take, but I honestly don’t know.

Sabre Edge: As for the NCAA, wouldn’t your situation almost guarantee you a sixth year?

Mapp: Hopefully so. It’s up to what the NCAA says and what the coaches say.

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