The return of Jay Huff makes the Virginia Cavaliers the ACC favorite and a national title contender
While this NCAA basketball offseason has been chock full of new twists and turns to navigate, the tedious waiting for draft decisions is nothing new. The extension of the NBA draft decision window has made college coaches wait even longer than normal to find out if they are getting their studs back. That window has now closed and Tony Bennett has to be happy. Jay Huff will return to Virginia in 2020-21.
The redshirt senior chose to withdraw from the NBA draft on August 1st making the announcement via his Instagram page. The 7’1 center had his best season at the collegiate level last season, averaging 8.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. In February, Huff had one of the most impressive games of the season, posting 15 points, 10 blocks, and 9 rebounds in a win over the Duke Blue Devils. The seven-footer has the ability to shoot it from deep (38.5% for his career) as well as post up and finish.
The Odds
Huff’s return gives Virginia a frontcourt stud in the same fashion as Mamadi Diakite did last season. Though Jay is a bit more explosive while being less consistent. Virginia should be better on the wings as well with Casey Morsell and Tomas Woldetensae also coming back. The Cavaliers opened the offseason as the favorite to win the title at 9-1, they are currently at 12-1 or 10-1. They were tied with Gonzaga at 9-1 to open but have slipped ever so slightly. Villanova is also in the conversation at 9-1. Some services actually have the Wildcats as the favorite at 7-1.
Regardless of their chances nationally, the Hoos are easily the favorite in the ACC. The combination of experience, talent, and coaching is second to none regardless of talented classes in Durham and Chapel Hill. Huff is a trendy pick for POTY while Kihei Clark is a darkhorse DPOTY candidate. Tony Bennett is almost a lock for Coach of the Year and Casey Morsell could be the most improved player in the conference after a dismal freshman campaign.
All in all, Virginia is still Virginia and they are going to win a ton of games. Their bench may be an issue but it’s unlikely to be a major weakness. Jay Huff’s return solidifies this team as a top tier group along with Gonzaga and Villanova. Could Virginia be the back to back national champion?
You can follow Mychal Hunter on Twitter @ACCBR1 and listen to his weekly podcast, ACC Basketball Report on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
