Three things we learned from Tony Bennett's 11/10 presser

With 4 days to go until the season, Coach Bennett answered some final questions to the media.  Like us fans, he is "curious" and "excited" about this season. He did reveal a few tidbits to make us a BIT less curious though... Here's the video, followed by three things we learned from the presser:

1. The Georgetown scrimmage didn't go too well.

Though there were reports that this weekend's "secret" UVA-Georgetown scrimmage ended in a tie, Coach Bennett did not inspire confidence in the team's performance.  Tie or not (how score is kept in these matchups is unclear), Bennett said that UVA was "outplayed," and that, while there were some "good stretches," the team has work to do. He specifically cited consistency: "If there are some areas we don't become consistent in and address, it's going to be challenging for us."

These quotes are unsurprising, and really nothing to read into.  First of all, coming out of a preseason practice and saying "We DOMINATED Georgetown!! We are definitely going to go undefeated!!!!!!!" doesn't seem too Bennett-esque. Regardless of how well the Hoos played, we'd expect the coach to emphasize where improvement can be made.  Secondly, we probably did get outplayed.  London Perrantes and Evan Nolte were suspended for their violations of team rules, and Bennett likely wanted to experiment with different lineups for the season.

Anyways, there are worse things than getting outplayed without your point guard and still tying a solid team receiving votes in both polls. We'll save those W's for the season.

2. The starting lineup is almost set

Tony Bennett noted that he has a "general idea" of the starting lineup, with seven guys who could start.  He's got a rough idea on the starting spots for the three backcourt spots...but would only name Malcolm Brogdon.  Unless something strange happened, the other two spots there belong to London Perrantes and Justin Anderson.  Then, Mike Tobey, Anthony Gill, and Darion Atkins are contending for the two frontcourt spots.

I'd probably predict Mike Tobey to be the odd man out here, but it could go either way. I'd be surprised if Anthony Gill is not announced against JMU though. Regardless, what we hear on day 1 isn't too consequential.  The starting lineup could be a fluid situation - Bennett didn't settle on a lineup for good until ACC play last year.  And all three players will see the court plenty anyways.

Speaking of the JMU game, we'll need someone to start in Perrantes's place at point guard.  Devon Hall will likely get the nod, while the other viable option is having Brogdon run the point, and shifting someone else (Shayok? Stith? All 3 bigs?) into the lineup.

3. Someone may redshirt

Bennett described "a conversation" with one of his players about redshirting.  My gut is that means he's decided that 3 of his 4 first-years (Jack Salt/Marial Shayok/BJ Stith/Isaiah Wilkins) will see the court this season, and the other will likely redshirt.  I'd be very surprised if more than one player redshirted - for depth reasons, it's not practical.  But I do believe that one player will ultimately sit this season out.

In terms of court-readiness and current depth, the obvious decision would be between Salt and Wilkins.  UVA is pretty set in the frontcourt this season, and big men often benefit most from an extra year in the weight room.  BJ Stith would be a darkhorse candidate, though Bennett did cite him and Marial as two of the "five guys who could play the perimeter spots."