Virginia upgrades schedule to reflect its newfound elite stature
The past two years, Virginia's modest non-conference slate didn't reflect its sudden emergence as a national power.
That will change next season when the two-time ACC champions will play a non-league schedule worthy of their newfound elite status.
The marquee non-league game on Virginia's schedule next season will be a potential top 10 clash against reigning Big East champion Villanova. The Cavaliers will host the Wildcats next December and play a return game in Philadelphia the following season, CBSSports.com reported Tuesday.
In addition to that intriguing matchup, Virginia will also host a loaded Cal team expected to crack the top 20 in the preseason polls next year. The Cavaliers will also visit Ohio State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, face Big 12 power West Virginia on a neutral floor in the Jimmy V Classic and travel to George Washington in a return game of a home-and-home series that began last season.
The rest of Virginia's non-league schedule won't be known until the Cavaliers release it, but that quintet of games is a major improvement. Only Maryland's surprise emergence as a Big Ten power and Davidson's unexpected rise to Atlantic 10 contention made last year's slate respectable.
Virginia should have enough returning talent to thrive despite its upgraded schedule.
Leading scorer Malcolm Brogdon, starting point guard London Perrantes and frontcourt standouts Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey all return. The Cavaliers will count on rising sophomore wing Marial Shayok to enjoy a breakout season and help replace the departed Justin Anderson.
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Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
