When Will Sherrill arrived at the University of Virginia in 2007, he was a pretty typical incoming first year. A graduate of an outstanding high school, excellent academic credentials, sports editor of the school paper, a plan to double major in history and economics.
As it turned out, he could play a little basketball, too.
In four years, Sherrill has developed from walk-on to team captain, starter, and one of the leaders of a young Virginia basketball squad. Last night, Sherrill celebrated Senior Night -- and his last home game -- by draining four three-pointers and scoring 14 points in Virginia's win over NC State.
Sherrill isn't going to be compared to the Bryant Stiths and Wally Walkers in the UVa pantheon, but it has been a lot of fun watching him carve a little niche for himself. For four years, he has been the hardest working Hoo, by all accounts, doing all the little things well, playing intelligent basketball on both ends of the floor (and achieving Academic All-ACC recognition off it). This year, in particular, Tony Bennett has praised his leadership and the example he sets for all the young guys on this team.
There will come a time -- hopefully soon -- when Bennett has improved the level of talent in the Virginia program, and there will no longer be a spot in the rotation for guys like Will Sherrill. I look forward to that day, as it will mean Virginia is relevant again, but I'm happy that UVa fans got a chance to watch Sherrill create a pretty magical career. He will be missed.
I wouldn't mind seeing Sherrill play about ten more games, though.