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Senior J.R. Reynolds is playing in his first NCAA Tournament. |
It had been six years since Virginia was last invited to the NCAA Tournament. That made today’s events all the more special. Two days after bowing out to N.C. State in the ACC Tournament, the Cavaliers gathered in the John Paul Jones Arena dining room on Sunday evening to watch the CBS Selection Show.
Welcome back Hoos.
The Cavaliers learned of their at-large bid and destination when it flashed across the television screen at 6:34 p.m. Virginia, a four seed, will travel to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, for a first round contest against Albany (the America East Champions), a 13 seed.
“It was a very exciting moment,” Sean Singletary said. “It just goes to show the accomplishments that we’ve achieved throughout the season.”
If seeding plays out, Virginia would face Tennessee in the second round on Sunday and Ohio State the following week in the Sweet 16. Tennessee faces Long Beach State in the first round.
“We’re obviously very pleased to be selected as high as a number four,” Virginia coach Dave Leitao said. “But at the same time, there are a lot of difficult challenges ahead.”
The atmosphere inside the dining room turned from nervous tension to utter jubilation when the pairing was announced. Many players jumped out of their seats and hugged each other. Leitao was a little more reserved in his reaction but was clearly happy with the draw.
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“On the interior I was very happy but I just didn’t show my jubilation as much,” Leitao said. “Anytime you can look up and see your name, that’s a tribute. There are over 300 teams in this country that play Division I basketball and only a select few get to play starting this week in this tournament, so that in and of itself is an accomplishment. When you finally get a chance to see it, that brings about some joy.”
It was a foregone conclusion that Virginia would make the NCAA Tournament. The only question was seeding. To be awarded a No. 4 seed exceeded most expectations and could be interpreted as a sign of respect for Virginia’s regular season accomplishments.
“It means a lot,” Leitao said. “It means that the amount of work that the players have put in certainly has paid off to this point and we look forward to continuing to be successful, not just this season, but in seasons to come.”
Albany (23-9) won its second consecutive America East Championship on Saturday with a 60-59 victory over Vermont. The Great Danes feature three players who average 10 or more points per game – Jamar Wilson (18.6), Jason Siggers (13.9), and Brent Wilson (10.9).
Last season, Albany, as a 16 seed, put a serious scare into No. 1 seed Connecticut before falling 72-59 in the opening round.
“We’re gathering up information on them now,” Leitao said. “Having played and coached in what is now the America East, I know how competitive the guys are. I know that they are a veteran team. They’re going to come in with a very high air of confidence. Obviously they gave Connecticut a very difficult game last year and almost won. We have to be prepared psychologically to know that we’re going to be in for a heck of a fight.”
The thrill of making the tournament was apparent on the faces of all of Virginia’s players and coaches. J.R. Reynolds made it clear that he wants to take advantage of this opportunity.
“We just need to get everybody together and talk about the experience and opportunity that we have ahead of us,” he said.
With a disappointing ACC Tournament in the rearview mirror, Virginia’s motivation to do well in the NCAA Tournament has only increased. But the Cavaliers are also not going to dwell on the past.
“It’s a whole clean slate,” Singletary said. “We’re just moving on.”
Leitao stressed that there is no reason to expect the recent struggles to continue once the NCAA Tournament starts. It will be, after all, a new season come Friday.
“One thing that we’ve had all year is a great ability to bounce back,” Leitao said.
After playing 16 of their last 17 games against ACC foes, playing an out-of-conference foe will be a breath of fresh air for the Cavaliers.
“[The ACC] is the best conference in America,” Leitao said. “It has the best coaches who prepare the best. I think because there are some many good teams that have great coaching it becomes very difficult for you to do what you are used to and normally capable of doing.”
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Jason Cain joked that “It took me long enough” to make the NCAA Tournament. “I’m just excited,” he added. |
This year was the last chance for Reynolds and fellow senior Jason Cain to make the NCAA Tournament. Naturally, both were ecstatic about the selection.
“It’s a privilege,” Reynolds said. “I was very happy. I’m just ready to play.”
Cain echoed those sentiments.
“It took me long enough,” he said with a smile. “I’m just excited. I’m glad things happened the way they did.”
As excited as the players and coaches were, they’ll soon be back to work on getting ready for Albany.
“Right now, it’s about preparing for Friday,” Leitao said.
In 2001, Virginia was eliminated by Gonzaga in the first round. The Cavaliers hope that the journey will last at least a little bit longer this time around.
“With the talent, experience and young guys with energy that we have, we can go as far as we want,” Singletary said.
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