As one looks at the box score of tonight's game, several things jump out. Sophomore forward Jason Clark tied a career-high with 12 points and sophomore guard Keith Jenifer also tied a career-high with eight assists. The Cavaliers put five men in double figures. Freshman Derrick Byars hit a career-high four three-pointers.
However, one statistic that should jump out doesn't seem to anymore. Senior forward Travis Watson put up a quiet 20 points and 16 rebounds.
With all the question marks surrounding the team and the hoopla over junior Majestic Mapp's return, Watson's consistent excellence often gets lost in the shuffle.
Last night against Florida State was Watson's ninth double-double of the season and the 47th of his career. But Virginia coach Pete Gillen felt Watson struggled offensively with the ball.
"Travis was struggling with the ball," Gillen said. "He missed practice on Monday because he had some academics to take care of, and [he had] 20 and 16. If he could get his timing down, I'd hate to see what he could do. He had a great game ... but he wasn't comfortable with the ball."
Watson's greatness is only enhanced by two factors that also often are overlooked.
The most remarkable thing about "T-Wat" is his ability to play through pain. Anyone watching him closely can see his grimace time after time. On occasion, he grabbed his hamstring, knee, and back. He missed only one game with a badly sprained ankle. And he won't admit it.
"I feel great," he said when asked. "In the game, I can think about the game instead of injuries."
Watson didn't even mention the fact that he sprained his wrist in last week's game against Virginia Tech, and that it was bothering him.
Perhaps this is what's so refreshing about Watson: he doesn't make excuses but rather finds a way around what is ailing him.
Last night is just one of many examples where Watson, despite not being himself, put up great numbers. There's not a better word to describe Watson than "warrior." He gets banged up all game inside, fighting for every ball and battling each possession for position despite not being 100 percent physically.
With Florida State looking to make a late run, Jenifer went to the line with 2:04 left on the clock. He missed both, but Watson fought on the floor between three Seminoles and somehow managed to get the ball and go back up, only to be fouled. He made both free throws.
Watson's outstanding numbers hide the fact that he often is smaller than his opponents. While the All-American candidate may be listed at 6-foot-8, Florida State forward Anthony Richardson, listed at 6-foot-7, had a good inch on Watson.
So Watson led the ACC in rebounding last year while playing center. This year, he again has the conference lead, averaging 10.3 rebounds per contest this season.
Watson just sees the ball better than anyone else on the floor and reacts. He always manages to come out off a crowd with the ball or soar above grasping hands for that loose ball.
"I feel like [I can get every rebound] all the time," Watson said. "A missed shot, and I think I can get it. Tonight, I felt the ball and my timing was good. There were a lot of missed shots and I got a lot of rebounds. When you have a team shooting 60 percent, there aren't a lot of rebounds. I just boxed out and got the ball."
But that is Travis Watson. While he is often overshadowed, there is still no denying that this is his team. He will not cease to do what needs to be done, getting the ball inside and carrying the Cavaliers on his ailing back all the way to success.
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