I'm glad I was there. Not only did I see Todd Billet drill what was possibly the biggest three-pointer of his career. Not only did I see Elton Brown play with unbridled passion and desire in anchoring the paint on both sides of the court. But most importantly, I saw T.J. Bannister's coming-out party.
Sure, he has had his positive moments this season, but on the roller coaster ride of a freshman learning the toughest position on the court in the toughest conference in the country, this game marked his arrival.
With a shade over one minute left and the Cavaliers down by four, the freshman guard, making only his second career start, had the ball in his hands with the game on the line. Bannister stepped up to the challenge, driving right, taking a hit from defender Will Bynum and still connecting on the tough lay-in before falling down. After the thousands of roaring fans calmed down, Bannister sank the free throw that brought the score to 80-79 and set the stage for Billet's heroics.
The momentum-turning layup was a shining example of what Bannister was able to do all afternoon against the Yellow Jackets. While his 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds were all career highs, they do not tell the whole story. Simply put, the 5'10" guard changed the complexion of the game during his 31 minutes of action. Bannister got out running, forcing the tempo, pushing it right down Georgia Tech's throat.
Indeed, the penetration of Bannister had its highlights. A fast break in the first half resulted in a crowd-pleasing, behind-the back-pass from Bannister to Elton Brown for a reverse layup. Early in the second half Bannister added another clip to the highlight reel with a sensational drive and dish for a Jason Clark slam.
Yet it was more than just running and gunning for Bannister. The freshman guard picked his spots and did damage in the half-court offense as well. Playing with composure, connecting on open opportunities and not over-dribbling, Virginia's third conference win marked a giant step in the development of Tony Bannister Jr.
Seemingly every ACC game means matching up against a premiere point guard, and Georgia Tech is no different, boasting standout sophomore Jarrett Jack. Jack averages 12 points and six assists per game and has been named ACC Player of the Week this season. He also flaunts the words "Point God" on his Nike Shox sneakers.
Yet it was the freshman, making his second career start that got the better of the self-proclaimed "Point God" as Jack finished with just two points and six assists.
"I've played him in AAU tournaments -- he's a great player," Bannister said of Jack. "I just wanted to play hard against him and do whatever I had to help my team win."
Keep in mind it was just 12 days ago that a cocky, loud-mouth guard named John Gilchrist came into U-Hall. Gilchrist put the pressure on the Florida native, got a glimmer in his eye and yelled, "He's scared! He's scared!"
Against Georgia Tech, Bannister didn't show an ounce of fear. Bannister played with poise, even after picking up his fourth foul with 14 minutes left in the game. Against the Yellow Jackets, Bannister emerged as the playmaking floor general that the Cavaliers sorely need. This emergence is not an overnight success story. Bannister will be the first to tell you that it's the result of "working hard every day, practicing hard and believing in my coaches."
As 7,544 watched the ball slowly spin through the air, Cavalier faithfuls erupted in unison as Billet's game-winning jumper found nothing but the bottom of the net. While that was a moment many won't be soon to forget, Virginia's victory over Georgia Tech also featured something else worth noting. Those who saw the Valentine's Day matinee witnessed the coming of age of T.J. Bannister. I'm just glad I had one of the best seats in the house.
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