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Virginia Cavaliers 2014-2015 Basketball Player Profiles: Anthony Gill

After a strong first season in orange and blue Anthony Gill looks for an even bigger junior season

Grant Halverson

Anthony Gill, the rising redshirt junior out of High Point, NC was somewhat of an X-factor for the Hoos during his first season of eligibility after transferring from the University of South Carolina. Despite being one of the most efficient offensive players on the roster, he managed to fly under the radar.  With another offseason to work with Tony Bennett and the coaching staff, Gill may be primed for a breakout season.

Offensively, Gill was a force last season. His 58.7% eFG% led the team, and his ORtg of 111.6 was behind only Malcolm Brogdon and Joe Harris. And he did all that while using 23.1% of possessions, also the highest on the team.  Gill didn't just make shots, but he drew contact and got to the free-throw line.  His FT rate last season was an absurd .81 FTA/FGA. (Akil Mitchell was in second on the team at .51.)

Realizing his full potential (and helping to replace the loss of Akil Mitchell) is all about Gill working on the other side of the ball.  Wahoo fans saw a drastic improvement in Gill's defensive ability from November to March, and it was no coincidence that correlated with his increased playing time.  Is he remotely close to Mitchell's level? No. But he was no longer the liability that he was earlier in the season.

To improve, Gill must continue his defensive development, particularly on the boards.  As he continues to aggressively draw contact and earn free-throws, he'll have to convert at a higher rate than 63%.  And, this may be picky, but he also sometimes failed to finish those opportunities through contact. A little bit more strength could benefit him there.

It's unclear whether he'll start, as the 4 and 5 spots will be a battle between him, Mike Tobey, and Darion Atkins, but all three will see the floor plenty.

Position: Power Forward

Height: 6-8

Weight: 230

Nickname: AG

Twitter: N/A (What gives, Anthony?!)