Virginia basketball’s stock is rising, as are two of the team’s stars: Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter

It’s a big Friday in the world of Virginia sports because the ~DuKe GaMe~ is tomorrow (!!). Yesterday we brought you the skinny on the Cavaliers’ football schedule for next fall and this weekend we’ll be bringing you everything you need to know for the big game down in Durham. Here’s what else is happening:

Ever-driven, Ty Jerome is shrewdly fueling the bounce-back at Virginia (The Athletic) $$

Ty Jerome’s attitude is pretty clear on the court: he’s confident, full of swagger, and likes to win. Sometimes a little too much...but he’s working on it.

Bracket Watch: Duke Hangs on as a No. 1 Seed Despite Syracuse Stumble (Sports Illustrated)

SI has the Virginia Cavaliers basketball team benefitting from Duke’s “stumble” against Syracuse, moving up to the overall No. 1 seed in the country which would land the ‘Hoos a first round game in Washington, D.C.

2019 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Zion Williamson remains No. 1, Duke goes 1-2-3 (CBS Sports)

CBS Sports has De’Andre Hunter going at 5 and Ty Jerome going at 21 in the outlet’s latest mock draft.

Moore: Why Joe Harris Absolutely, Positively Must Be Considered One of the NBA’s Best Shooters (Action Network)

“Kenny, our coaching staff, front office – [they’re] really big on guys taking 3s,” Virginia alum Joe Harris said. “They don’t shy away from it at all. They’re very big in analytics. They want guys taking a lot of 3s, so for me, I come into the situation, that’s my game.”

TOTD:

ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser tells it like it is: the ‘Hoos are 24–1 in one of the country’s best conferences between last season and the start of 2019 ACC contests.