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Jan. 28, 2004
UVA received pretty good news this week when former UVA ACC player of the year Tiki Barber agreed to speak at this year’s valediction exercises in May. Tiki has been a huge supporter of the University and is one of the NFL’s great ambassadors. The Roanoke native has given back to his community, his hometown, and to his school. As far as Super Bowl XXXVIII, former Virginia defensive back Antwan Harris remains on the New England roster but has played sparingly. One other tie is the relationship between linebacker Tedy Bruschi and Al Groh. Bruschi is an eight year veteran, and was tutored by Groh in his first year…the ’96 Super Bowl season.
Technically speaking?
Virginia head basketball coach Pete Gillen was criticized Monday night on Cavalier Call In for being too nice of a guy. One caller pointed out that Pete had received only one technical foul in his six years at the helm of the basketball program. The caller also said something very unfair…that quote…”Pete didn’t support his players”. That’s a bunch of bunk. Coach Gillen has gone to the wall for his kids. He counsels, teaches, protects, and during games is constantly talking to officials what to look for. I don’t think Virginia fans would want a “Gary Williams” on the sidelines. Don’t get me wrong…Gary is a great guy, a very good coach, and maybe one of the most competitive guys I have ever seen. At times, though, he gets away with murder as far as officials, waving off calls, walking the other way, shouting obscenities…it’s quite the show.
As Coach Gillen pointed out to the caller Monday night, show up one of the guys in black and white, and you might suffer the consequences down the road. Technicals can sometimes be used to your advantage…but not very often. I will admit that a “tech” in the first half might do some good…very rarely will an official “T-up” a coach a second time which results in ejection. After the first one, coaches can get away with murder. Ask Coach K. I have seen him use that first half “T” to perfection.
Early vote for ACC Coach of the Year? Gerogia Tech’s Paul Hewitt. Rookie of the Year? Wake Forest’s Chris Paul. Player of the Year? Wow…take a vote….JJ Reddick of Duke? Chris Duhon? Carolina’s Rashad McCants? If we gave the best interview award…hands down, Billy Glading-UVA lacrosse All American and Wahoo basketball walk on.
Speaking of Reddick, one of the best pure shooters I have seen in a long time…one NBA scout told me he is getting a “bad boy” image. For whatever reason, he refused to shake Chris Paul’s hand after the Devil’s win over the Deacons in Durham. To be continued.
I can’t comment on football recruiting, but in a conversation with Cavalier head football coach Al Groh last week, fresh off another road trip, UVA is landing tons of speed in this current class. Coach Groh said there is still “plenty of speed on the board” to ink however.
Sign of the times? Every once in a while we receive autograph requests from corporate clients and friends for UVA players. Guess which football player has been one of the hottest signatures to collect? Kicker Connor Hughes.
Super Bowl pick? Patriots by ten in a snoozer. Best part of the whole game might be Beyonce’ Knowles national anthem.
See you in Winston-Salem!!