2009.01.24
Latest Cavs' debacle
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Virginia has shown it can come back from double-digit deficits on the road this season in a victory at Georgia Tech and narrow losses at Maryland and Virginia Tech, but the Cavaliers have not distinguished themselves at John Paul Jones Arena.
Florida State led by 20 points or more in both halves before beating the Cavaliers 73-62. Virginia (7-9 overall, 1-5 ACC) missed 18 of its first 19 shots from the field and shot 3-for-22 in the first half.
Florida State (16-4, 3-2) got a team-high 21 points from Toney Douglas, whose four-point play with 12:48 left took away much of UVa's momentum after it had closed to 44-31. Freshman Sylven Landesberg was 14-for-14 from the free-throw line for UVa and led all scorers with 24 points.
A JPJ crowd of 10,981 let loose its frustration on UVa coach Dave Leitao in the first half and he waqs questioned by the media for letting 69 seconds go off the clock without fouling after the Cavaliers scored with 2:31 to cut the deficit to 71-57.
I am a UVA fan and the fans getting mad at him over not fouling is completely crazy. yes you don't want to give up but why make the game worse and drag it out? the chances of UVA fouling Florida State, them missing their free throws, and UVA cutting the lead every time they touch the ball is pretty slim. and the way the cavs had been shooting shows that it was pointless. Leitao did nothing wrong by not fouling.
Comment by Rob — January 25, 2009 @ 1:33 am
My question is ... Where would this team be without Freshman Landesbrtg ?
Comment by Orrie — January 25, 2009 @ 7:36 am
and Landesberg as well ? It's early and Orrie has not had his "Java" yet ..If things don't get better the "Java" may turn to something abit stronger .
Comment by Orrie — January 25, 2009 @ 7:38 am
It would be in exactly the same place that it is now - in last place (or headed there quickly)...
Comment by Chester — January 25, 2009 @ 11:41 am
I have been a fan since the early 1980's and Ralph Sampson... I don't know what has happened to UVA Basketball... and No I am not giving up.. but good greif.... Can they not figure it out... whether it is the coach, the recruiting or something to do with the player's mentality... JUST FIX IT!!!! We don't have to have champions all the time, but being in the cellar.. well that is not acceptable to this grad....
Comment by Lisa — January 25, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
Is it not time to look at Craig Littlepage. This steady decline has been ongoing for a while.
Comment by John — January 25, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
Orrie kinda figured that there Chester .....It would just be alot uglier don't you think ?
Comment by Orrie — January 25, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
I think Leitao deserves as many years as Groh is getting at UVa. Groh just finished his 8th year.
Leitao took over a program that was at the bottom of the ACC. Groh took over a program that was always .500 or better before he got here.
Comment by Nelson — January 26, 2009 @ 4:39 am
No conversation about coaches at Virginia can go too long without mentioning the complete failure turned in by Al Groh. I really thought Leito would bring the basketball program up to a more competitive level sooner, but I have not given up on him yet. Groh has been the recipient of a weak ACC that is barely competitive on the national level and he still can't win. Leito still has to contend with perennial national powerhouses UNC, Duke, and Wake. My suggestion: Keep Leito, Fire Groh.
Comment by Niles — January 26, 2009 @ 7:22 am
I DON'T think using Groh as a benchmark or measuing stick to validate ANYTHING (except maybe a chess team or an aviation department) is a successful way to run/guage an organization.... :>)
Just because we over-bloated ourselves in 1 area does not make it right to follow-suit in all other areas as well...
Comment by Chester — January 26, 2009 @ 7:59 am
Kinda bad when folks get all excited about cutting a deficit to 13. This is as bad the last Jeff Jones and Gillen years. At least I did not see any quotes about a lack of energy & passion.
Comment by doug — January 26, 2009 @ 9:02 am
Anyone that can continue to support Dave Leitao is blind. The man just is not and never was an ACC level coach. On top of that he is not a nice guy, has no sense of humor and has shown little to no school spirit.
At least we know Al Groh loves UVA. Until recently Dave refused to even wear the school colors.
Taking a look at the schedule it is hard to find a game that we even have a chance of winning.
Comment by Joe — January 26, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Joe is 100% correct. The problem with this team is A) It doesn't have any talented recruits, B) Talented recruits have come here but have not been taught how to elevate their game to the college level, or C) both A and B. Which ever letter you choose, the problem goes right back to the head coach.
Four years ago I tried to lobby hard for Marc Iavaroni to be our new coach. At a minimum, you would have gotten a coach that cares about the University. Well it just so happens he's now looking for work after having been dealt a lowsy hand in Memphis. Let's go get him now!
Comment by Henry — January 26, 2009 @ 10:40 am
what
Comment by John — April 10, 2009 @ 7:03 pm