The Virginia Cavaliers face an unprecedented transition following the departure of Tony Bennett. Interim head coach Ron Sanchez is expected to carry the “Virginia way” forward, but not without the help of returning players like Blake Buchanan, the lone returning big on the roster.
At 6-foot-11 and 255 pounds, Buchanan averaged 3.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in his freshman season. He had six starts last year, averaging 15.1 minutes a game. Hailing from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Buchanan’s biggest value is his experience at Virginia.
He will have to consistently earn minutes among a competitive front court with freshman Jacob Cofie and transfers Elijah Saunders and TJ Power.
Offensive Presence
Statistically, Buchanan was overshadowed last season by Ryan Dunn, who led the team in rebounds and blocks with 6.9 and 2.3 per game, respectively. Buchanan 41.4% shooting from the field (plus a dreary 50% from the line) could see some improvement.
Still, Buchanan proved his worth in last year’s 73-70 win over the Florida Gators. Buchanan came off the bench to lead the team with 18 points and protected the paint against a bigger, more physical team.
Buchanan is no bruising pick-setter like Jack Salt, but he’s consistently seeing the floor and in the right spot on offense. His cuts to the basket are gold mines for his teammates’ assists. Plus, he contributes some momentum-shifting dunks when it feels like we need it most.
Still, by our count, Buchanan had two rebounds in the Blue-White Scrimmage this month, outshined by transfers Elijah Saunders’ six and TJ Powers’s four.
Team Leadership
Buchanan’s experience is inherently valuable, having played under Bennett and with key teammates like Reece Beekman and Dunn. Although he hasn’t experienced a successful NCAA Tournament run, his veteran status, coachability, and game-time and starting experience prop him into an assumed leadership role.
There’s room, if not a need, for Buchanan and McKneely to team up as coaches on the court. Between the two of them, UVA has leadership in both the front and backcourt, which may be Buchanan’s most important role this season.
Foul Trouble
Buchanan’s six starts last season included one against Boston College, where he was pulled to the bench almost immediately for a tacky foul. And, that was more of a pattern than Bennett and fans would have liked.
While there is room for a freshman to make those mistakes, a big man’s vice is always the petty wrist slaps under the basket. We’ve seen similar frustration in the past with players like Mike Tobey who, especially with size, do have a presence — but forget the defensive fundamentals down-low.
Although he’s still young, Buchanan has to shed the fouling. Plus, as a 50% free-throw shooter, he isn’t necessarily making up for it on the other end.
