I know Rocco brings up UVA and Tony Bennett's defense a lot, in reference to our lack of defensive priority, but I actually think he is right in many ways. It's about the coaches priority and commitment and the player's commitment. I don't think our Tony (Shaver) will ever be a defense first coach like Bennett is, and I don't want us to become less prolific on the offensive end at all, but the thing that struck me about this article is how many of the former UVA players like Joe Harris and Nolte said they were just shooters that weren't great athletes coming to UVA but learned how to defend and defend well. Many of our guys would fall into that category. It's possible. It's about will, coachability, technique, commitment, teamwork and attitude. Check it out. We will always be an offense first team, but I think with some changes we could be a middle of the pack CAA defense and that, with our prolific offense, would probably propel us over the hump.

https://www.theringer.com/2018/3/1/17064...rs-of-ncaa

Villanova, Xavier, Zags, et al have top 10 offenses but still manage to play defense. Must be nice.

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Good article. Did Rocco write it?

There was a good interview with John Beilein of Michigan after they won the big 10 tournament Sunday. He has always been an excellent offensive coach but middle of the pack defensively, usually around 150. Two years ago He stopped being in charge of the defense and turned it over to an assistant. His reason was that he was always concerned more with the offense during intrasquad scrimmages so the defense was not getting as much attention as the offense. This year they are ranked in the top 20. He also said depth helps because you can sit someone if they are not putting the effort in defensively.