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Good morning, and welcome to #HOOpsWeek...your one-stop shop for all things Virginia Basketball.
It seems only fitting to open up our player profiles with the one and only Justin Anderson, so let's get started!
Justin, now a third year, will be looked to for experience, leadership, and production this season for the Cavaliers. His importance on last year's squad cannot be overstated. The enthusiasm and pure energy Simba brings to the court is rivaled by none.
There's More HOOps Week!
There's More HOOps Week!
Anderson played in 37 games for the Hoos last season, starting five. As the season progressed, he provided a spark off the bench that directly correlated to victories (a la @ Virginia Tech). JA averaged 7.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in just over 21 minutes of action with a shooting percentage over 40% from the floor. Although much of what Justin brings to the court doesn't fit into a stat line, his intangibles were enough to get him noticed by the members of the media who named him the ACC's "Sixth-Man" Award recipient.
With the departure of Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell, much more will be asked of and expected from Anderson. He has the ability to pick up some slack left behind the arc with Joe's departure, but can also play athletic, long, disruptive defense like Akil. His leadership will also be crucial to replace what was lost with the fourth years.
Justin is predicted to be a starter, and he has worked diligently in the off season to improve various aspects of his game from shooting efficiency to just flat out strength. He will be key in Virginia's attempt to defend their ACC crown.
Plus, he can do this:
The Stats:
Position: Guard
Height: 6-6
Weight: 226
Nickname: Simba/JA
Best Performance Last Season: @ FSU with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists OR blocking the possible game tying three pointer against Pitt in the ACC tournament semifinals
Most Likely To: Make Chick Hernandez uncomfortable in a post game press conference (beginning of the clip...all in good fun)
Best: Highfiver of Tony Bennett/hug hander-outer as the last few seconds ticked off the clock in the ACC Championship
Twitter: @JusAnderson1