Virginia Basketball: 5 reasons why the Cavaliers can win the ACC in 2018-19

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - MARCH 3: Justice Bartley #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers and the rest of the bench cheers in the second half during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at John Paul Jones Arena on March 3, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Notre Dame 62-57. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Wilkins #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

1. Virginia has something to prove

As difficult as it must be for Virginia fans to remember, it is impossible to talk about this upcoming season without mentioning the loss to UMBC. Like a black cloud, the 16-over-1 upset will hover over the team throughout the entire year and there is only one way to get rid of it: simply win. With the majority of the roster from last season returning, these players could come out hunting to put an end to the commentary on the defeat in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

It won’t be easy, but UVA will come out with plenty to prove during this upcoming campaign. And while the Cavaliers cannot necessarily prove that they can make a big-time NCAA Tournament run until March, they can go out and strike fear in the hearts of every opponent they face during the regular season. With a tenacious defense and some firepower offensively, the Cavaliers could emerge as the favorite in the ACC.

This season is about more than just showing out in March. With experience up and down the roster, Tony Bennett’s team is out to prove that they can be the best team in college basketball not just over the course of March Madness but throughout the entire year. This may be difficult to do but UVA should enter this year as a preseason top-10 team and a serious threat to do damage.

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