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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2. Is there a better defense in the country?

Of course, Virginia’s calling card in 2018-19 will be the same as always. The Cavaliers are easily one of the defensive teams in the country every single season and this year will be absolutely no different. The defense might look a little different, though. Now without Isaiah Wilkins (ACC DPOY) and Devon Hall, who were both named to the All-ACC Defensive Team, the defense will need to find new cogs. However, to make up for this, the majority of the roster is coming back and Tony Bennett consistently snags recruits that fit his system.

Per KenPom, UVA has been ranked in the top-10 in adjusted defensive efficiency as a team in each of the past five seasons while thrice ranking in the nation’s top-2. Looking ahead to this season, everyone should anticipate Virginia once again playing stifling and fearsome defense on that end of the floor. Now, I won’t say that every member of the Cavaliers’ roster is a dynamite defender because that would be inaccurate but Coach Bennett’s system is tremendous and that should yield excellent results.

With Hall and Wilkins gone, a few players will need to step up on the defensive end. In my opinion, the two players who could emerge as serious defensive studs are rising junior Mamadi Diakite and senior Jack Salt. Both of these players saw the court for upwards of 15 minutes per game last season and will play even larger roles. However, what makes this team so potentially dangerous heading into this season is that the Cavaliers will be balanced on both ends of the floor.

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