2006 Virginia Cavaliers Basketball Preview

2006 Virginia Cavaliers Basketball Predictions

The Virginia Cavaliers have a new, state-of-the-art arena and a young team to occupy and fill that arena. This is a talented team with one of the finest backcourts in the game. The could do some damage this season.

The backcourt features two shoot-out-the lights players—Sean Singletary (17.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 40.0 FG%, 84.5 FT%) and J.R. Reynolds (17.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 40.7 FG%, 77.6 FT%). Both were awarded All-ACC honors last year. Singletary became a sure-handed leader on offense, while Reynolds proved that he could shoot and defend. Both have very fine inside games.

Upfront, the Cavaliers are tall but many of the returning players don’t have much weight to throw around. The freshmen are much bigger and bulkier. But look for the Virginia to start sophomore Laurynas Mikalauakas (6.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.1 APG, 56.8 FG%, 54.0 FT%) at forward—he’s an aggressive inside player. At 6’ 10”, Jason Cain (7.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 48.4 FG%, 68.7 FT%) showed ability last season, especially on the offensive boards. But he needs to push opponents around more. The center spot could go to the talented junior Tunji Soroye (1.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.1 APG, 41.2 FG%, 68.4 FT%). However, the 6’ 11” Soroye must command the inside with more authority. Freshmen Jerome Meyinsse and junior transfer Ryan Pettinella will certainly be given consideration.

Coach Dave Leitao led the Cavs to a 15- 15 record in his first season at Virginia. He did that with only 7 scholarship athletes. He now has a full compliment of 13 scholarship players. Leitao will get most of his points from the star studded Virginia backcourt. Last season, the coach got his team to play disciplined ball and this year could be the year that the Cavs breakout and challenge North Carolina and the rest of the ACC.

Singletary and Reynolds are key to Virginia’s success. Additionally, Leitao has been careful to recruit some big, athletic guys for the frontcourt. Take note-- Virginia may make it to the tournament for the first time in five years.

If you want more info on the 2006 Virginia Cavaliers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Virginia Tech Hokies.