Virginia Basketball: Top 10 Players to play for Head Coach Tony Bennett

10. Akil Mitchell – Virginia Cavaliers (2011-2014)

Career stats: 6.9 ppg 6.0 rpg 1.1 apg

When Mitchell was a starter as an upperclassman, be became one of the best defensive big men in the country. In terms of defensive rating, the 6’8 forward was best in the ACC, while finishing near the top in rebounding. Not only was he a great rebounder individually, but Mitchell’s talent allowed Virginia’s defense to thrive, usually allowing only one chance to score. He barely edges out Justin Anderson, who had an explosive junior season himself.

9. Aron Baynes – Washington State Cougars (2006-2009)

Career stats: 8.7 ppg 5.4 rpg 0.3 apg

A double-digit scorer as a starter in his final two years, Baynes was one of the better shot blockers in the Pac-12. He was the kind of big man that Bennett likes to have, and provided a glimpse into what the future Cavalier frontcourt players would look like.

8. Kyle Guy – Virginia Cavaliers (2017-)

Career stats: 10.8 ppg 2.1 apg 1.4 apg

The fact that he’s the highest rated high school recruit to commit to Bennett already holds significance, but Guy being the leading scorer on arguably the best Cavalier in program history helps as well. He averaged 14.1 ppg on 39% shooting from deep as a sophomore, with even more left to accomplish.

7. Devon Hall – Virginia Cavaliers (2015-2018)

Career stats: 6.9 ppg 3.2 rpg 2.1 apg

He started his career at UVA scoring less than a couple of points a game. But Hall steadily developed as an offensive player to become a legit threat as a senior. The reason why he was able to grow on the court was that of his elite defense. As a 6’5 wing, Hall was tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. Based on the team’s result, I’d say he was quite good at it.