A home opener gives expectant fans the first opportunity to see their team's season set into motion. The first conference game always draws an eager crowd. But the last home game - as the cliche goes - rolls around before you can believe it and adds sentimentality to sensation and bittersweet emotion to the usual excitement.
In tonight's 7 p.m. game against Clemson (11-16, 2-12 ACC), the 2000-2001 Virginia (19-6, 8-6) men's basketball lineup will take to University Hall's floor as a unit for the final time.
The No. 7 Cavaliers still face Maryland on Saturday, the ACC tournament next weekend, and probable contention in NCAA March madness. But when the buzzer sounds tonight, it not only will mark the conclusion of another 40-minute battle, but also the end of five senior Cavaliers' careers in the enclaves of U-Hall.
Point guard Donald Hand, the sole senior starter; guards Keith Friel, Josh Hare and Greg Lyons; and forward Stephane Dondon are the guests of honor in the senior night game. Though the five vary in their playing time and Virginia career length, each serves as an integral component of the team in the lengths of their Virginia careers.
"All the seniors have great leadership," sophomore guard Roger Mason Jr. said. "And we look to them for that."
Hand, the most notable of the seniors, is a four-year starter and the first Cavalier to serve as a team captain for three consecutive seasons. His performance on any given night can be the deciding factor for Virginia.
"When he plays well, our team goes up another half-level," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said.
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This season, Hand, averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 assists, has often displayed maturation in his ball distribution and shot selection.
Asked about tonight, Hand responded, "It's scary that it all went this fast. But we have to go out and take care of business first. Then it can be a great day."
Keith Friel, Virginia's sixth man and tri-captain, and Stephane Dondon regularly see playing time. Both have played only two years with the Cavaliers. Friel transferred from Notre Dame and Dondon from Collin County Community College.
Friel's 42.6 percent shooting this season from three-point territory has been his trademark. A three from Friel consistently gets the home crowd roaring and often sparks a Virginia run.
Lyons returned this season as a walk-on to the Virginia lineup after missing last season because of a cancer diagnosis. Though he rarely sees playing time, Lyons' presence serves as a testament to his perseverance and commitment to the Cavaliers.
Hare, a member on the team for three years, began his Virginia career as a walk-on but quickly contributed off the bench. But in the past two seasons with the addition of scholarship players, Hare's playing time decreased.
"It's always discouraging when you go from playing 20 to 25 minutes a game to not really playing that much," Hare admitted. "But at the same time, you're part of a team and certain people have to sacrifice for the team to be successful."
Hare also commented on Virginia's progression over the course of his career.
"I think the biggest part about it - the most fun part about it - is seeing our improvement over the years to becoming one of the top seeds in the NCAA tournament," he said. Tonight "is going to be a great night. I don't know what kind of emotions I'll have because I still think the best days are ahead of us. We're going to do some damage in the tournament."
The Cavaliers enter tonight's game riding high on a three-game winning streak. Virginia uprooted No. 3 Duke on Feb. 14, defeated Florida State on Feb. 17 in Tallahassee and blew out No. 2 North Carolina on Sunday. Against Clemson, the Cavaliers look to add another ACC win to their record and extend their streak to four.
The Tigers enter tonight's match following two losses to Wake Forest on Feb. 21 and Georgia Tech on Sunday. But Clemson uprooted North Carolina, 75-65, on Feb. 18. Tiger starting guard Will Solomon, who had 26 points in 25 minutes against the Tar Heels, may not play tonight because of a case of the flu. With or without Solomon, the Cavaliers cannot take the game lightly.
"You certainly have to respect Clemson," Gillen said. "They beat Carolina. They certainly can beat us."
Junior forward Adam Hall and the rest of the team recognize the danger Clemson poses, but plan to make the night special for the graduating players.
"We want the seniors to go out strong with two wins [in a row] at home," Hall said. "Wednesday is senior night. We want them to go out on top"
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