The Virginia Cavaliers' basketball team is gearing up for the upcoming season, and fans are eager to see how they stack up against the competition. According to KenPom's rating system, the Cavaliers are projected to finish the season in 59th place overall, which might seem disappointing at first glance. However, this ranking takes into account the team's pace, offensive and defensive capabilities, and overall talent. While the Cavaliers have a squad filled with new players, including four true freshmen, their projected adjusted tempo rating of 302 out of 365 teams indicates a faster pace and increased defensive pressure compared to last year. This is a notable improvement, as they finished the previous season at 361 in the same category. Offensively, the Cavaliers are ranked 48th, thanks to the all-around scoring ability of Malik Thomas and the shooting prowess of Sam Lewis, Devin Tillis, and Jacari White. Defensively, the team is projected to be 71st, which may take some adjustment for fans accustomed to higher rankings. The team's ability to gel quickly on the court is a concern, especially with so many new players, including Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grünloh, who are new to American college basketball. Despite the statistical uncertainties, KenPom's projections provide valuable insight into the team's national standing and set the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
