Leitao, the best choice Virginia could have made
Chad gallagher

Last spring, athletic director Craig Littlepage drew wide criticism in his search for a head basketball coach. After the dust settled, his selection of Dave Leitao was perceived by many as a second-tier hiring when compared with other potential candidates. Many fans speculated that the team would not generate the needed revenue as the school opened the new John Paul Jones arena in 2006.

It seems intriguing to play Monday morning quarterback and analyze the selection (while extremely premature) of Leitao compared to the other potential candidates. Most media sources confirmed that the other major coaches in the search included (among others) Tubby Smith (Kentucky head coach), Dave Odom (South Carolina head coach), Mike Brey (Notre Dame head coach) and Rick Barnes (Texas head coach).

Rick Barnes has done a fabulous job with Texas, as they are ranked first in the Big 12 and appear poised for a run deep into the tournament. Many media sources speculated that Barnes did not have an interest in the Virginia coaching job last spring. The play this season of the Longhorns supports his decision for staying in the burnt orange.

Kentucky, meanwhile, is struggling through one of its worst seasons in recent memory. Currently a "bubble team" for the NCAA tournament, the Kentucky faithful resemble a pack of rabid dogs that can smell the blood of a fresh steak. Do you think Tubby regrets turning down the reported $5 million per year offer to come to the University of Virginia?

Dave Odom, at the University of South Carolina, has struggled this year with a squad that is last in the SEC East. Odom will need a late run to have a shot at the big dance.

Mike Brey at Notre Dame has not fared any better, with a conference record of 2-8 in the tough Big East conference. The Irish appear to be fighting for a spot in the much-maligned NIT.

Meanwhile, the "second-tier" candidate from the mid-major school of DePaul has led Virginia to fifth place in the ACC and is in contention for coach of the year honors. This Virginia team has only played a total of seven scholarship players the last few games. Yet Leitao has managed to put this inexperienced team on the bubble for the NCAA tourney.

A look at the incoming recruiting class shows a glimpse of potential greatness to come next year. Entering the new John Paul Jones arena, the Wahoos desperately needed two things: another quality ball handler at the guard position and some depth at the forward/center position.

Like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Leitao hit both troubled spots with the upcoming class. The star of the class is Solomon Tat, a 6-foot, 5-inch guard out of Stockbridge, Ga. Tat is averaging 26 points a game while transitioning from point guard (which he played last year) to shooting guard. Next year, add Tat to a guard rotation of Sean Singletary, J.R. Reynolds and T.J. Bannister and it becomes quite clear that ball handling and shooting will not be a problem for the Wahoos next year.

The other four recruits are listed by most sites as 3 or 4-star recruits and range in height from 6 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 9 inches. This added depth will enable the Wahoos to stay out of foul trouble and create a competitive environment for playing time for the big men.

In what will be a much tougher ACC next year, the Wahoos have the potential depth and skill to finish in the top three of the conference. While Leitao is doing a fantastic job coaching this season, next year will give him the opportunity to take this team to the next level.

Actually, why not just give Leitao a huge long-term deal right now before showing he can take the team to the next level...
 

Lett will be tough in post for Cavs
By Whitelaw Reid  / Daily Progress staff writer
February 13, 2006

High school senior Johnnie Lett is a "Yes-sir, no-sir" kind of guy. The Mobile, Ala., native is soft spoken and polite.
You almost have to beg the 6-foot-8, 215-pounder to talk about himself. Joey Porter, Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens - he is not.
However, on the basketball court, Lett's demeanor changes. The University of Virginia-bound post player becomes very aggressive, according to Bruce Craig, Lett's coach at B.C. Rain High School.
"Johnnie is a hard worker and dedicated ballplayer - a guy who can hit the boards real well, consistently," Craig said. "[Virginia is] getting a kid who's real coachable and will give 110 percent.
"I tell you what, when he hits the weights and puts on a few more pounds, he'll definitely be a force to be reckoned with."
Lett, Jamil Tucker and Will Harris are the three members of Dave Leitao's first recruiting class who have signed letters of intent. Solomon Tat, Andy Ogide and Ryan Pettinella have given verbal commitments.
Lett, who is rated as a three-out-of-five star recruit by Rivals.com, said he has been following Virginia on television and has liked everything he's seen.
"They play aggressive," said Lett, during a telephone interview. "That's my style of play - aggressive."
Against rival Williamson last week, Lett scored
24 points - including four dunks - and grabbed 18 rebounds. B.C. Rain (17-8), which competes in Class 5A, lost in triple overtime.
For the season, Lett is averaging 15 points and 14 rebounds.
"He's improved a whole lot," Craig said. "Everybody's been double-teaming him, which has made it hard to score, but he's moving and hustling, and playing [well]."
Craig said Lett's best game came against Biloxi High School in the Battle of the Border Basketball Tournament, held in Mississippi last month. Lett had 16 points, 21 rebounds and six assists in a matchup with Vanderbilt-signee JeJuan Brown, a 6-foot-8 post player.
Lett, who earned Alabama MVP honors, held Brown to 11 points.
Craig said Biloxi also featured a 6-foot-7 underclassman who was being looked at by Division I schools.
"He just dominated both of them," Craig said. "That just really impressed me.
"They had a big team overall. Those two [big] guys could shoot inside and outside and really play, but Johnnie put on a show."
Lett, who has good jumping ability, said one play that sticks out from this season came in a tournament around Thanksgiving when he slammed home his own missed shot.
"I caught it off the rim and jumped over one player's head," Lett said. "He went up for the rebound, but I jumped over him and dunked it."
Lett's favorite NBA team is the Los Angeles Lakers. His favorite player is Kobe Bryant. However, he said if he had to pick one player who his style of play is most similar to, it would be the Detroit Pistons' Ben Wallace.
Why?
"The defense he has," Lett said, "but I think I may have better offensive skills than he had in high school."
Craig said Lett has done a good job of not forcing things on the offensive end. Many players can get frustrated with being double-teamed all the time, but Craig said that hasn't happened with Lett.
Initially, Lett thinks his defense and rebounding will be the two biggest things he brings to Virginia. He said he is currently working on his free-throw shooting and foot speed.
Lett said he can't wait to get to Charlottesville.
"I'm really happy," he said. "I want to play in the ACC."

DUNKS: Virginia (12-9, 6-5), which hosts Longwood on Wednesday, currently has an RPI of 56, according to collegerpi.com. The RPI is a key factor in receiving a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers have the sixth-best RPI in the ACC behind Duke (1), N.C. State (21), North Carolina (23), Boston College (29) and Maryland (41). They are ahead of Florida State (67), Clemson (73), Miami (82), Wake Forest (109), Virginia Tech (114) and Georgia Tech (136). ? Before notching a career-high 12 assists on Saturday, J.R. Reynolds' previous best was six (which he accomplished four times). ? Leitao, during a teleconference on Monday, was asked who he would pick for National Player of the Year - Duke's J.J. Redick or Gonzaga's Adam Morrision. "The politically correct thing to say, having played both of them, is that they should get co-players of the year," Leitao said, "because they've separated themselves against anybody who has a chance to be in third place. They're by far the two best players in America, but if I had to lean one way it would probably be [toward Redick], not just because of the season he's having, but the career he's put together."

 

O'Connor: Youth is no excuse
Cavaliers coach looks to guide team to third straight NCAA berth
BY JEFF WHITE
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Feb 14, 2006
COLLEGE BASEBALL
VIRGINIA PREVIEW

CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Virtually every key player on the University of Virginia baseball team will be eligible to return in 2007. Don't think, however, that the Cavaliers' focus is on the future.

Even with Ryan Zimmerman gone, U.Va. coach Brian O'Connor believes his team can contend in the ACC again this year.

"I've never been a coach who's liked to say, 'Oh, we're young,' or things like that," O'Connor said. "I'll never give our teams an excuse. Some of the best teams I've coached have been young."

This group fits that description. The starting infield includes two freshmen -- third baseman Jeremy Farrell and second baseman David Adams -- and a third, Greg Miclat, could win the job at shortstop. One of Virginia's top pitchers, 6-6 right-hander Jacob Thompson, is a first-year player, too, and classmates Shooter Hunt and Andrew Carraway also figure to be in the rotation.

U.Va.'s best player, first baseman/pitcher Sean Doolittle, is a sophomore. So is left fielder Brandon Guyer, who hit .282 with 30 RBI last season. Outfielders Mike Mitchell, Tim Henry and Brandon Marsh are juniors, as are starting catcher Beau Seabury, a junior college transfer, and closer Casey Lambert, who holds the school record for career saves. Designated hitter Tom Hagan (.286) is a senior academically, but he can return in 2007 if he chooses.

Doolittle, a second-team all-ACC pick, hit .313 with 57 RBI and 11 home runs last season. He starred over the summer for USA Baseball.

"It is a young team," O'Connor said, "but it's a young team that I think can win, providing we get quality pitching in our starting performances on the weekend."

Strong pitching from starters Mike Ballard and Thompson helped Virginia collect victories over The Citadel (Friday) and Coastal Carolina (Sunday) at a tournament in Conway, S.C. The Cavaliers (2-0) play their home opener tomorrow afternoon against Old Dominion.

In addition to Ballard (8-3 in 2005) and Thompson, sophomores Doolittle (3-2), Pat McAnaney (7-0) and Robert Poutier (5-1) are candidates to start on the mound. In 22 pitching appearances last season -- all but one in relief -- Doolittle struck out 66 and posted a 1.64 earned-run average.

This is the Wahoos' third season under O'Connor, who has revived a program long considered one of the ACC's worst. Virginia went 44-15 in 2004 and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time in eight years.

For an encore, O'Connor guided the Cavaliers (41-20) to the ACC championship game and back to the NCAA tourney last season. Never before had U.Va. reached the NCAAs in consecutive seasons.

Contact staff writer Jeff White at jwhite@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6838.

SCHEDULE

Feb.: 10, The Citadel at Conway, S.C. (W, 5-3); 12, Coastal Carolina at Conway, S.C. (W, 8-3); 15, Old Dominion, 3 p.m.; 17, Towson, 3; 18, Towson, 1; 19, Towson, 1; 21, VCU, 3; 24, George Mason at Charleston, S.C., 1; 25, Gardner-Webb at Charleston, S.C., noon; 26, at College of Charleston, 2; 28, George Washington, 4

March: 3, Saint Joseph's, 4 p.m.; 4, Saint Joseph's, 4; 5, Saint Joseph's, noon; 7, Maryland-Eastern Shore, 2; 10, at Georgia Tech, 4; 11, at Georgia Tech, 1; 12, at Georgia Tech, 1.; 15, Dayton, 5; 17, Clemson, 5; 18, Clemson, 1; 19, Clemson, 1; 21, Liberty, 5; 24, Wake Forest, 5; 25, Wake Forest, 4; 26, Wake Forest, 1; 28, Coppin State, 5; 29, Norfolk State, 5; 31, at N.C. State, 7

April: 1, at N.C. State, 2 p.m.; 2, at N.C. State, 1; 5, at Richmond, 3; 7, at Duke, 7; 8, at Duke, 1; 9, at Duke, 1; 12, Longwood, 7; 14, Boston College, 7; 15, Boston College, 4; 16, Boston College, 1; 21, at Miami (Fla.), 7; 22, at Miami, 7; 23, at Miami, 1; 26, Richmond, 7; 28, at Maryland, 7; 29, at Maryland, 7; 30, at Maryland, 1

May: 2, Mount St. Mary's, 7 p.m.; 12, North Carolina, 7; 13, North Carolina, 1; 14, North Carolina, 1; 16, at Old Dominion, 6; 18, Virginia Tech, 7; 19, Virginia Tech, 7; 20, Virginia Tech, 2; 24-28, ACC tournament at Jacksonville, Fla.

Combination of youth, experience to help team
Despite last year's high turnover, Lacrosse hopes for national championship
Ben Gibson, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

Last year the Virginia men's lacrosse team was mere seconds away from a chance to play Duke for the national championship. It was the longest 1.7 seconds of their lives as John Hopkins scored to tie the Cavaliers in regulation and went on to win in overtime 9-8 in the NCAA Semifinals. This year, Virginia looks to redeem last year's loss and bring the national championship back to Charlottesville.

"The goals for Virginia lacrosse don't change a lot from year to year," Virginia head coach Dom Starsia said. "We look at the lineup, start every year on Sept. 1 with the realistic goal to play at the end of the season, the very last game. This team has the talent to be able to do that."

So far the Cavaliers are ranked third in the nation in all three major lacrosse polls. This particular squad has a unique mixture of experience and youth, something that Virginia will look to capitalize on once the season begins.

"One of the nice bits about college sports is that you get to turn over the roster a little bit every year," Starsia said. "I think we have a nice blend of youth and experience. We've got the pieces that we need in order to be successful."

These pieces include three experienced seniors as captains. Matt Ward, J.J. Morrisey and Michael Culver will look to lead the Cavaliers through the ACC and NCAA tournaments for a chance at championship glory. Last year, Matt Ward had a tremendous season for Virginia, leading the team in scores, goals and assists. The preseason second team All-American looks to continue his stellar play in 2006.

J.J. Morrisey demonstrated he is one of those tough and relentless players. In his four years at Virginia he has become a threat on both the offensive and defensive side of the field. Last year he received the team's Harry Gaver Award for leadership.

Michael Culver has emerged as a defensive leader. His stopping ability will be crucial to Virginia success, as will his ability to lead a relatively young defensive unit.

His leadership will be especially helpful given the loaded schedule the Cavaliers face this year. After starting the season on the road at Drexel this Saturday, Virginia will have four home games in a row -- the last against perennial powerhouse Syracuse March 4. Virginia will benefit by playing Duke and Johns Hopkins at home this year. These schools are the top two in the nation, according to "Inside Lacrosse" and "Lacrosse Magazine," and home-field advantage will be a tremendous edge.

In addition to their experienced seniors, Virginia has some new talent this year, most notably freshmen Garrett Billings and Gavin Gill. Billings has played many years of indoor lacrosse and is just now making the transition to the field. Gill is the youngest of three brothers in his family to play for the Cavaliers. These freshmen will look to make an immediate impact on the offensive side of the ball.

"They bring an energy and a freshness to the process that everybody enjoys," Starsia said.

Men's lacrosse is one of the few sports at Virginia where the team has a legitimate chance at a national championship year in and year out. It's been three years since Virginia defeated John Hopkins 9-7 to take home the trophy, but there is a great deal of hope that it could happen this time around. The experience of the senior class mixed with the passion of the incoming freshmen will hopefully make Virginia a very dangerous team to play this year. Their schedule will be demanding, but that's how champions are made. And the Cavaliers remain confident that a championship is something they can achieve.

"We expect to go a long way, get back to Memorial Day weekend hopefully, Morrisey said. "We're athletic enough that we can do well."


 

Young team aims high
After graduating six starters team is not rebuilding, but "reloading" this year
Chris Marsh, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

For the seniors on Virginia's women's lacrosse team, winning never gets old.

"For the past three years, we've gotten to the championship game," co-captain Meredith Lazarus said. "We want to win another one before we leave."

This year's women's lacrosse team will also feature many new faces. Six starters graduated from last year's team, including All-American attack Amy Appelt and three veteran defenders.

The cupboard, however, is far from bare. Virginia does not plan on rebuilding, but reloading.

"We have a lot of new people," senior attack Tyler Leachman said. "We had so much talent last year that there's still a lot on the bench."

While many may focus on the team's graduated seniors, Virginia has still retained many of its top players. Captains Nikki Lieb and Lazarus, as well as Tyler Leachman, were given All-American honors last year, with Lieb receiving the honor for the second year in a row. Leachman led the team in goals with 65, including an eight-goal outburst against Loyola.

The returning players will be joined by six new starters, all eager for the opportunity to prove themselves and compete for starting jobs. Some of these newcomers, though, are already expected to see significant action as starters in their first year, a rarity for the Virginia program.

"Three freshmen are going to start," Lazarus said. "In past years we haven't had any."

Joining the Cavalier attack will be freshman Blair Weymouth, whom Virginia coach Julie Myers expects to play an important role for the team up front.

"She's very fast and very athletic," Myers said. "She may be the most athletic kid we've ever had on any of our teams."

Other starting freshmen include attacker Ashley McCulloch and defender Jen Holden.

Despite the high turnover, the team's expectations have not changed -- it is a team that always expects to win.

"Our goals will always be the same, no matter who's on our roster," Myers said. "I don't think our expectations here will ever change from being a national contender."

To once again compete on the national level, the Cavaliers will need their defense to mesh quickly. Leachman believes the team's versatility, with many players being able to play multiple positions, will benefit Virginia in adjusting to the new starters.

"A lot of the people who played midfield last year are strong line defenders, and a lot of the people who played line defense are strong midfielders," Leachman said. "I just think we have a lot of people on our team who can do things all over the field."

Lieb believes it is crucial for all the players to play where they are needed and give Virginia the best chances to win, especially on defense.

"I think that [it is important that] everyone just be open minded and flexible about where they play," Lieb said. "We've had a lot of depth in the past. Everybody that's had the opportunity to play defense can contribute."

Myers believes the Cavaliers have the talent to replace the three departed defenders and grow into a solid group on the field.

"I think it's still a work in progress," she said, "but I'm confident we have great kids in place to get the job done."

 

Diane focuses on all aspects of basketball to raise level of play
Confidence in teamates allows freshman to focus less on scoring, and more on improving individual skills within a game
Barney Breen-Portnoy, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

For many high school basketball stars, the transition to the college level is not an easy one. It is difficult for many such players to adjust to new situations where they are no longer at the top of the pecking order. To earn playing time, these college newcomers often have to develop aspects of their game neglected in high school.

"Most of the time in high school if you just worry about yourself, your team will win," Virginia freshman swingman Mamadi Diane said. "That's how it is. But out here you have to do all the other things."

For Diane, the area of greatest improvement has been in his rebounding. He has averaged 5.4 rebounds over Virginia's past five games and pulled down a career-high ten boards Feb. 4 against Wake Forest. Diane credits his improved rebounding skills to the fact that, playing alongside players such as Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds, he does not have to carry the burden of the team's offense like he did during his high school days at DeMatha Catholic in suburban Maryland.

"The last couple games I've realized that's something I can do to help my team and stay in there," Diane said. "Rebounding also helps me build confidence. I've been just trying to work within the offense."

Coach Dave Leitao has been pleased with Diane's all-around development over the course of the season. One of the toughest tasks for Diane has been maintaining confidence when his shots do not fall.

"I don't want him, and I think young guys do this, to define himself by whether a shot goes in or not," Leitao said after Saturday's win over Virginia Tech. "Two games ago he gave us 10 rebounds, and today he gave us eight points with a huge tip-in. He didn't turn the ball over, and he was much more involved in the game. As a result I think that helps build the confidence that now he can bring to his shooting rather than him shooting to define his game."

Diane's consistent strength throughout the season has been his defense. He displayed his defensive tenacity Saturday when he made a steal and dribbled the ball down court for a show time one-handed dunk.

"I saw the ball getting trapped in the corner and I knew the guy was under duress so he was going to throw some lazy pass," Diane said. "I was anticipating that lazy pass, and once it came out I knew I had it."

On and off the basketball court, Diane has generally enjoyed his first-year experience and is appreciative of the support given to him by the University community.

"It's been great," Diane said. "I've grown a lot up to this point. I think I'll continue to grow and learn a lot from both the coaching staff and the people around the school. It's really a great experience."

His roommate is fellow freshman Laurynas Mikalauskas, and the two of them have gone through the ups and downs together as they have adjusted to life in Charlottesville. Diane laughed when asked about Mikalauskas' growing cult following on Facebook.

"I remember when he first got the invite to the group, he was going crazy in the room," Diane said.

And who knows? Perhaps if Diane continues to develop as he has thus far, he will get a Facebook group of his own.