Virginia Basketball: 5 Things Cavaliers Must Prove Early in 2014-15

The Virginia Cavaliers are coming off one of the greatest seasons in school history. The Hoos won 30 games, an ACC regular-season title and an ACC Tournament championship last season.

With Duke and North Carolina reloaded, and the addition of Louisville to the ACC, repeating last season's astonishing success will be difficult.

But head coach Tony Bennett has built a strong program that features unselfish offensive play, relentless defense and is never reliant on one star. Bennett's recruiting continues to improve, too, so Virginia is able to withstand losing players like Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell.

The Hoos open the season on November 14 when they travel down to James Madison. Here are five things the Virginia Cavaliers must prove early in the 2014-15 season.

Avoid Upsets

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Virginia vs. Maryland in 2013-14

Upsets happen all of the time in college basketball. UVa enters the 2014-15 season ranked No. 8 in the preseason poll and shouldn't be tested in its first six games.

But when the calendar turns to December, the Cavaliers will play a familiar foe: Maryland. The Terrapins, now in the Big Ten, host the Cavaliers in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on December 3. 

The Terrapins handed Virginia one of its two ACC losses last season. That game was in Maryland, too. 

After Maryland, UVa travels down to Richmond to play VCU. The Rams defeated the Cavaliers last season as well. 

Both games present clear opportunities for opponents to pull off the upset. 

Who Will Replace Joe Harris?

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Joe Harris

Joe Harris departed Charlottesville as one the best, if not underappreciated, players in school history.

Now, who will step up and replace Harris?

Harris averaged double figures in each of his four seasons on campus. As a junior, Harris averaged 16 points per game en route to being named first-team All-ACC.

Harris took a step back last season, averaging just 12 points per game. However, much of that was due to his unselfish attitude and embracing Bennett's team-first philosophy. 

While Harris' scoring went down last season, he made several big shots down the stretch to win or clinch games for the Cavaliers. 

UVa has the talent to replace Harris. Malcolm Brogdon and Justin Anderson will likely see their roles increase even more. A pair of freshmen, B.J. Stith and Marial Shayok, could be in the mix, too. 

Who Will Replace Akil Mitchell?

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Akil Mitchell

Akil Mitchell didn't leave UVa as the school's all-time leading scorer or rebounder. Mitchell never made first- or second-team All-ACC.

However, Mitchell was arguably the ACC's top defensive player over the last two seasons and a terrific rebounder. As one of Bennett's original recruits—along with Harris—Mitchell was a player who embodied the coach's defense-first philosophy more than anyone. 

Anthony Gill will start in Mitchell's place and thrive. Gill is a terrific offensive player, but he can't replace Mitchell's production alone defensively.  

Darion Atkins, a 6'8" senior, is the most natural replacement. Built similarly to Mitchell, Atkins is not a dynamic scorer but plays strong defense. He hasn't proven to be the rebounder Mitchell was yet, but Atkins is a very good shot-blocker. He led UVa in blocked shots as a freshman and was second on the team in each of the last two seasons. 

Mike Tobey Must Step Up

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Mike Tobey

Virginia center Mike Tobey is entering a make-or-break season. The 7'0" junior has the potential to be an NBA lottery pick. 

Tobey isn't a physically imposing player, but you won't find many 7-footers with the ability to step out and hit 17-foot jump shots like Tobey. He is also terrific around the basket, possessing a nice array of moves and the ability to score with either hand.

Tobey came to Charlottesville as an unathletic, skinny 227-pound center. He is now 253 pounds and more suited to banging with opposing big men down low.

But Tobey must assert himself early in games. In the past, he'd make a shot early and then disappear. The Cavaliers need to depend on him to score more than ever this year. 

Tobey must stay out of foul trouble, too. 

Who Will Backup London Perrantes?

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London Perrantes

Last year, Brogdon and Harris would take turns handling the ball when star freshman point guard London Perrantes would go out for a breather. 

With Perrantes injuring his foot just before the official start of practice on October 3, there is some doubt if he'll be available for the season opener at James Madison. 

Freshman Devon Hall, who redshirted last season, is a candidate to replace Perrantes in the lineup if he is to miss any time. However, it's much more likely that Brogdon would handle duties at the point early in the season if Perrantes does miss a game or two. 

Bennett doesn't appear to be too worried about Perrantes, per Whitey Reid of the Daily Progress: 

"Obviously, he’s a pretty important piece to the team,” Bennett said, “but in some ways that’s been good because it’s forced guys to take bigger roles.”

Regardless of who the opponent is, Bennett wants his starting point guard on the floor before the season heats up in December.