Our recruit and return series continues with a look at the Virginia Cavaliers, who lost Friday to UMBC. Here's a look at what 2018-19 might bring for coach Tony Bennett and Virginia:
Possible 2018-19 starting 5:
G: Kyle Guy
G: Ty Jerome
C: Jack Salt
Who is lost: Virginia says goodbye to the bulk of its better rebounders, with Devon Hall and forward Isaiah Wilkins both departing. That's a serious setback, given the recruiting hasn't been deep with big men. Stylistically, it shouldn't be as much of a setback as Virginia appeared to face last season with the departure of London Perrantes, and Bennett certainly found ways to work around that.
Who is added: Australian Kody Stattman could blossom into a nice swing man in the mold of Hall. He has grown considerably since his 2016-17 season, and at 6-foot-7, he boasts a nice shooting touch. Virginia remains in the mix for several other potential impact players as well, including power forward J'Raan Brooks.
What it means for next season: Bennett has done a fine job of getting the most out of his talent during his time in Charlottesville, and the 2017-18 season was example No. 1. Still, it'd be nice to see Virginia land one or two more potential impact players. The ACC is as talent-laden as any league in the country, and the Cavaliers' magic can't last forever, right?
Trending: Down. This isn't a knock on Virginia. Who could doubt Bennett at this point? But the past two years -- at least to this point -- didn't bring in a significant influx of talent, and the Cavaliers are still waiting on the likes of Diakite and Jay Huff to come into their own. But really, the point here isn't to suggest a major stumble for Virginia, but rather to ask, how much better can it get?
