The Virginia men's basketball team will tip off its 2002-2003 campaign tonight at 7 at U-Hall when Long Island University comes to town for what promises to be a high-tempo affair.
The Cavaliers finished last season 17-12, but enter tonight's game with a revamped roster and fresh off two exhibition wins.
On Sunday, the Cavaliers beat the One World All-Stars, 73-57, holding One World to 19 percent shooting in the second half. Virginia wasn't without its own struggles, shooting less than 50 percent (19-for-39) from the free throw line in the two exhibitions.
"We still have a lot of work to do for this Friday and beyond," Virginia Coach Pete Gillen said after the game. "We are pleased with the way we have played on defense so far, but we need to work on our offense."
Against One World, Virginia freshman Derrick Byars and sophomore transfer Devin Smith both made their Virginia debuts, and sophomores Keith Jenifer and Jason Clark saw their first action of the season after being suspended for the first exhibition game. Smith, who had knee surgery over the summer and missed the first game, led all bench scorers with 11 points.
"We're still getting a feel for each other," Virginia junior center Nick Vander Laan said. "We've just got to work out the chemistry."
The Cavaliers return only one starter from last year, senior forward and All-American candidate Travis Watson. Watson, a preseason first team All-ACC selection, averaged 24 points and 16.5 rebounds in the exhibition games.
"We need to keep progressing the way we've been progressing," said Billet, who scored a team-high 17 points against One World. "I think our defense is ahead of our offense right now, which is great for our team."
In the most recent exhibition, Watson was joined in the starting lineup by Billet, Jenifer, Vander Laan and sophomore forward Elton Brown.
"Todd and Travis are really important for our team, like they were," in the second half of Sunday's game, Gillen said. "Every game is going to be a test, and we need to come out ready to play."
Long Island's new coach, Jim Ferry, will lead a veteran squad that managed only five wins last season. Ferry will instill a quick pace on a team returning the top scorer last season in the Northeast Conference, senior Antawn Dobie. Dobie averaged over 25 points, five assists and two steals per game last season and will be the focal point of the Blackbird offense.
Five seniors return to lead the Long Island frontcourt this season. JaJa Bey was the Blackbirds' top inside threat last year, averaging nearly 14 points per game. Junior Raymond Edwards, who missed most of last season with an ankle injury, also should log significant minutes.
Long Island won its only exhibition game over the USBDL All-Stars, 95-70, behind 25 points and 10 assists from Dobie.
"As a team, we just need to keep up the tempo of the game and make them play our game," Vander Laan said. "I'm really excited about the season because we have a lot of talent on the floor."
It will be the regular season debut at Virginia for Vander Laan and Billet, both of whom sat out last season in accordance with NCAA rules after transferring. Billet, however, does not expect to be nervous.
"I've been doing this for 15 years, so as you get older, you lose some of those butterflies in your fast game," he said.
After tonight's game, Virginia will travel to play in the Maui Invitational. The Cavaliers will open Monday against host Chaminade at 2 p.m.
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