The start of Virginia basketball season is now within sight. The Cavaliers open with Tarleton State on Monday, Nov. 6 at the John Paul Jones Arena and then travel to Charlotte for a neutral site game against Florida on Friday, Nov. 10 in the first week. Both games are at 7 p.m.

Tony Bennett guided UVA to a 25-8 record and a share of the ACC Regular Season Championship last season. The Hoos made the ACC Tournament Championship Game as well where they fell to Duke and the season ended with a disappointing loss to Furman in the NCAA Tournament.

Each season before the Hoos hit the hardwood, there are 10 preseason questions on The Sabre. The questions are broken up this year. Previous questions can be read here: No. 10, No. 9. Let’s look at another.

8. Will The Defense Finally Look More Like Virginia Again?

Unfortunately, this has become an annual question in recent seasons. Given that defense is the identity of the program and that the Pack-Line scheme’s stinginess is what helped raise the Virginia basketball brand under Tony Bennett, it’s one that has to keep being asked.

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