Sean Singletary: Virginia's Star Could Shine Even Brighter

Diane and Baker, however, shoot less than 21% of the time, with Diane accounting for a paltry 18% of shots.  With an increase in attempts, their shooting percentages would undoubtedly cool off. The shift in offensive philosophy would still allow Virginia to increase its overall scoring — it's currently a middling 6th in the ACC in offensive efficiency against some suspect competition.  

Furthermore, Singletary is an assist machine.  His assist percentage for the year is a rather ridiculous 40%, which may contribute to his teammates’ high shooting percentage.  He is easily the top-rated player in this category in the ACC. Creating baskets for his compatriots has cost Singletary a few additional turnovers. His turnover percentage is much higher this year (26%) than in previous years (19% in 2007 and 21% in 2006), but 20-25% is about average for most point guards.  

Many grouchy UVA fans will wag their finger at me and say, “But we’re missing that gunslinger, JR Reynolds!”  This is true.  Defenses are focusing more on Singletary than they were last year, when he formed half of the best backcourt in the ACC. 

But last year’s team did not have the depth that this year’s team does, and was merely a two-trick pony. 

Virginia has a ton of three-point shooters this year.  They can open more lanes than they did last year, allowing Singletary to dish to open teammates for dunks and threes—the area in which he excels most.

 

Note: All statistics courtesy of kenpom.com .

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