The Virginia basketball team opened ACC play with a win against Syracuse on Saturday, which improved the Cavaliers’ record to 7-1 on the season. That start has UVA ranked No. 23rd in the coaches’ poll, 26th in The Associated Press poll, and 27th in the all-important NET ratings. So that’s all fairly good news for the Hoos.

There have been plenty of other topics to dissect through 8 games. Defensive rebounding is a big one. The offensive schemes, center rotation, and 3-point shooting are others. Something aside from all the technical stuff has been on my mind since Saturday, though. Call it a Monday thought I guess.

I’m happy for Taine Murray this week.

The Cavalier junior put together two solid performances at the John Paul Jones Arena last week against Texas A&M and Syracuse. In a combined 16 minutes, he had 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

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