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

By Tristan Freeman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - January 31: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at John Paul Jones Arena on January 31, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - January 31: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at John Paul Jones Arena on January 31, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 19: Malcolm Brogdon #15 of the Virginia Cavaliers looks on in the first half against the Butler Bulldogs during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 19, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 19: Malcolm Brogdon #15 of the Virginia Cavaliers looks on in the first half against the Butler Bulldogs during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 19, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. Mike Scott – Virginia Cavaliers (2008-2012)

Career stats: 11.8 ppg 7.3 rpg 1.0 apg

After a productive three seasons, Scott looked to be having a breakout senior year, before an injury halted those hopes. Granted a fifth-year by the NCAA however, the 6’8 forward came back to deliver big time. He averaged 18.0 ppg and 8.3 and was a contender for ACC Player of the Year.  Scott was a junior when Bennett arrived, giving the new coach the start he needed with the Cavaliers to be successful.

2. Joe Harris – Virginia Cavaliers (2011-2014)

Career stats: 12.6 ppg 3.8 rpg 1.9 apg

A double-digit scorer all four seasons, Harris was a great two-way player for the Cavaliers. His junior year was his best, averaging 16.3 ppg on a team voided of much offensive talent. His numbers did dip a bit his senior season thanks to more talent coming in, but Harris still made his mark in the ACC Tournament, where he was named MVP. His 36-point effort in a win over Duke his junior year was Harris’ signature performance in a Virginia uniform.

1. Malcolm Brogdon – Virginia Cavaliers (2012-2016)

Career stats: 13.3 ppg 4.1 rpg 2.5 apg

Things were somewhat unknown for Brogdon after his freshman year, as he missed a full season due to a serious foot injury. He came back stronger than ever, become one of the best defenders in the nation. What brought Brogdon to No. 1 was his senior year, leading the Cavaliers to a 29-win season and an Elite Eight appearance.

Next: 5 Impact Freshmen to Watch for in 2018-19

The 6’5 guard averaged 18.2 ppg, with 15 games of at least 20 points. He was ACC Player of the Year, as well as an All-American. Due to how Virginia’s pace affects the team’s offense, it’s rare for any player to have a big individual scoring run. That’s why what Brogdon did was so impressive, capping off a great career for him at UVA. But the credit has to go to Bennett, whose development skills made him the productive player that he was in college, as well as in the pros currently.

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