Virginia Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Cavaliers

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 06: Clark of the Cavaliers shoots. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Projected backcourt starters

Kihei Clark | 5-foot-9 | 163 lbs | Sophomore

Kihei Clark was the ultimate glue guy for Virginia last season. Although not a major threat on the offensive end of the floor, he was a tremendous high-energy defender in the backcourt that simply made the right plays at the right time. Clark might not bring a ton of size at just 5-foot-9 but he is an energizer bunny on the court. With Jerome and Guy departed, he will take over the primary playmaking duties for the team this season.

These are definitely big shoes to fill for the rising sophomore and it might take some to grow acquainted with the role considering he spent most of last season playing off the ball.

Still, he understands Coach Bennett’s system on both ends of the floor and can be a vocal leader on this young team. Clark is a capable ball-handler and creator while also showcasing skill as a 3-point shooter. He averaged 4.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists (to 1.0 turnovers) per game last season and will take on a much more significant offensive role this time around.

Casey Morsell | 6-foot-3 | 195 lbs | Freshman

Clark’s starting backcourt partner will likely be incoming freshman Casey Morsell. Ranked as the No. 56 overall prospect in the 2019 class, Morsell is a known commodity in basketball circles and he looks poised to be a major contributor right away in Charlottesville. He is a proven three-level scorer with a college-ready frame. Morsell is already impressively well-built and projects as one of the top offensive options for the Cavaliers even as a freshman.

Morsell should excel as a shooter in Virginia’s mover/blocker offense as he will constantly be freed up for open looks on the perimeter by the team’s experienced frontcourt. Morsell’s 3-point shooting is well-documented as an elite skill and he also does a nice job using his strength when attacking the basket. On the defensive end of the floor, Morsell is already quite solid and his high basketball IQ will allow him to quickly absorb Coach Bennett’s teachings.

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