As has already been reported on Twitter, Virginia beat Maryland by 6 points in their 'secret scrimmage' on Saturday. Julian Reese led the way for the Terps, while Jahmir Young and Donta Scott both carried a bulk of the scoring load. The other name I continue to hear as having played extremely well and is going to be a big part of the rotation is Ian Martinez.
I mentioned that I was hearing Martinez has looked really so far the other day and after actually speaking with Martinez at media day, I'm not convinced he won't be in the starting lineup once the season gets underway. He had some eye-opening things to say, as in, he was not happy last year, felt they did not play the style of basketball he was told they were going to play and felt they really did not use him in a way that suits his strengths. He seems much more confident in his game and in what the new staff is doing. He was also very adamant that this team is actually playing fast, high tempo basketball and actually getting up and down the court like Turgeon always said he would do but didn't. It's no secret that I really liked the Martinez pickup at the time he committed here. It also isn't any secret he really struggled last season. But he showed some flashes in league play and it doesn't surprise me at all to hear he's playing well. Also have to remember he was basically behind the 8 ball from the get go last season with the surgery. So again, I almost wouldn't be surprised if Martinez starts at the two with Carey as the first off the bench.
But for the most part, this team is likely to go as Young, Reese and Scott go. They are likely going to do the bulk of the heavy lifting.
I mentioned that I was hearing Martinez has looked really so far the other day and after actually speaking with Martinez at media day, I'm not convinced he won't be in the starting lineup once the season gets underway. He had some eye-opening things to say, as in, he was not happy last year, felt they did not play the style of basketball he was told they were going to play and felt they really did not use him in a way that suits his strengths. He seems much more confident in his game and in what the new staff is doing. He was also very adamant that this team is actually playing fast, high tempo basketball and actually getting up and down the court like Turgeon always said he would do but didn't. It's no secret that I really liked the Martinez pickup at the time he committed here. It also isn't any secret he really struggled last season. But he showed some flashes in league play and it doesn't surprise me at all to hear he's playing well. Also have to remember he was basically behind the 8 ball from the get go last season with the surgery. So again, I almost wouldn't be surprised if Martinez starts at the two with Carey as the first off the bench.
But for the most part, this team is likely to go as Young, Reese and Scott go. They are likely going to do the bulk of the heavy lifting.
