As the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team gears up to kick off their season against Campbell this Wednesday, fans are primed for their inaugural glimpse of the revamped offensive system that the team is adopting for the 2024-25 season. Throughout the offseason, players and coaches have hinted at a significant overhaul in response to last year’s challenges in scoring effectively during critical games.
For the past five years, Virginia’s gameplay has predominantly hinged on three foundational offensive structures: the traditional sides or mover-blocker configuration developed by head coach Tony Bennett, an inside triangle setup, and a more dynamic high ball screen, four-out approach. While there have been some experimental adjustments and deviations from the norm, the Cavaliers’ predictability has rendered their offense overly stale, especially as the landscape of college basketball has evolved significantly around them.
On Monday, interim head coach Ron Sanchez, joined by a diverse group of players, spoke candidly about the offensive transformation underway within the Virginia program to ensure they remain competitive in an increasingly fast-paced league.
“It’s not a new system,” Sanchez explained regarding the adjustments. “We’re just trying to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, getting the five-man to run hard to the rim in transition, having Isaac McKneely sprint hard to the three-point line, trying to see if we can get a mismatch just as the game flows.”
He further emphasized the importance of rapidly advancing the ball up the floor, which serves not only to economize time for their structured offense but also to catch their opponents off guard in disorderly moments.
“I think it’s stayed the same in terms of trying to get the right shots that we want,” senior Taine Murray, the most seasoned player on the Cavaliers roster, stated. “I think the main change has been a little bit more pace and a little bit more space.”
In discussing the faster pace of play and increased spacing, redshirt freshman point guard Christian Bliss articulated how this evolution allows players to better express their skills on the court. “I think we definitely play more free,” he remarked. “[We’re] just trying to think less and play off our instincts and look for the best possible shot whatever the case may be. Just play with a little bit more tempo.”
Preferred walk-on Desmond Roberts reinforced this perspective, noting, “We’re moving a lot faster. I think it’s a little bit more free. So I think there’s a little bit more creativity involved and we just get to play. I think the guys are liking it, we’re adjusting to it nicely, we’re figuring everything out.”
With the recent transitions following Bennett’s retirement and Sanchez stepping into the role of interim head coach, there has been a considerable amount for Virginia to iron out. Fortunately, the commitment to evolving their offensive strategies was made prior to Bennett’s departure, allowing for several months of dedicated work towards the revitalized system that fans can expect to see next Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET.
It’s undoubtedly a tumultuous moment for the Virginia basketball program. How successful UVA’s offensive strategy is at pushing the ball up the floor and effectively spacing it will play a crucial role in shaping both Sanchez’s trajectory and the future of the program as a whole.
Important for us to adapt and be versatile,” Sanchez continued. “The game is changing, and we need to change with it. We want our players to have the freedom to make quick decisions and capitalize on whatever the defense gives us.”
To delve deeper into these changes, we spoke with Ron Sanchez about the new offensive strategy.
**Interview with Interim Head Coach Ron Sanchez:**
**Editor:** Coach Sanchez, the team has hinted at a significant overhaul in the offensive system this season. Can you give us an overview of what fans can expect to see on the court?
**Ron Sanchez:** Absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, it’s not a completely new system, but rather an evolution of what we’ve established over the years. We’re focusing on maximizing our offensive potential by emphasizing quick transitions and offensive fluidity. We’re excited to see how the players adapt to these changes during games.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned the need for the team to adapt to a faster-paced game. How do you plan to implement that in practice leading up to the season opener?
**Ron Sanchez:** In practice, we’re really emphasizing conditioning and decision-making under pressure. We want our guys to be prepared to push the ball quickly after rebounds and make smart reads in transition. It’s all about ingraining this mindset so that it becomes second nature by game time.
**Editor:** With the players you have, how do you think they’ll respond to this new style of play?
**Ron Sanchez:** Our players are eager for change, and I believe they’ll rise to the occasion. They possess a lot of talent and athleticism, and I’m confident that the new approach will bring out the best in each of them. We’ve been working hard on building chemistry, and I think fans are going to be pleasantly surprised at how effectively they can adapt.
**Editor:** What challenges do you anticipate facing as you implement these changes?
**Ron Sanchez:** Every transformation comes with its hurdles. The main challenge is maintaining a balance between structure and freedom. We still want our players to feel empowered while adhering to our core principles. It’s a learning process, and we’ll need to remain patient as we work through it.
**Editor:** Lastly, any message for the fans as they look forward to the season?
**Ron Sanchez:** Yes! We’re thrilled for the upcoming season and we want our fans to know that we’re committed to bringing a competitive and entertaining style of basketball. Their support is critical, and we can’t wait to showcase our new offensive identity on the court.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Sanchez, for your insights. We’re looking forward to seeing how the team evolves this season.
**Ron Sanchez:** Thank you! We’re excited, too.