Virginia Basketball: 5 Takeaways from Cavaliers' Opening Games

The 2014-15 college basketball season has begun, and the Virginia Cavaliers opened up their season with two impressive—albeit expected—wins over James Madison and Norfolk State.

The Hoos next take the court on Tuesday night when they host South Carolina State. On Friday, Virginia's biggest test to date will be a home date with George Washington.

With blowout wins over underwhelming opponents, you can't often glean too much from what you see. But we'll try.

Here are five takeaways from Virginia's first two games of the 2014-15 season. 

Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey Both Start

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Coming into the season, there was some doubt about who would start up front for Virginia. Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey appeared to be the two most logical candidates to play power forward and center, respectively, but both players would need to be stronger on the defensive end. 

According to head coach Tony Bennett, per Whitey Reid of The Daily Progress, Gill improved his defensive mobility, while Tobey bulked up in the offseason. Apparently, that was enough for Bennett, as both players were in the starting lineup for each of UVA's first two games.

Both Gill and Tobey are good offensive players. Virginia needs them both on the floor simultaneously, but Tobey did foul out after only 15 minutes of play in the opener at JMU. 

Tobey was better against Norfolk State, though, playing 20 minutes and scoring 10 points to go with seven rebounds. Tobey committed only two fouls in that game. 

Devon Hall Is UVA's Backup Point Guard

ANDREW SHURTLEFF/Associated Press

UVA guard Devon Hall

With London Perrantes entrenched as the starting point guard, there were some questions about who would be his backup—especially with Perrantes missing the season opener due to a suspension for breaking a team rule in the offseason. 

Junior Malcolm Brogdon, UVA's top player and starting shooting guard, was a candidate. However, Bennett needed Brogdon to focus on his own role versus adding more responsibility to his plate.

Enter redshirt freshman Devon Hall.

There was a lot of excitement about Hall in the offseason, per Reid, and his inclusion in the starting lineup against JMU makes it known he is UVA's backup point guard and should play a key role this season. 

Through two games, Hall is averaging 22.5 minutes per game. 

Justin Anderson Is Headed for a Breakout Season

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Virginia guard Justin Anderson

Not many players in college basketball possess the physical ability that Justin Anderson does. Anderson is super athletic and can defend four positions. 

If the first two games are any indication of what we can expect from Anderson, the 6'6", 228-pound junior guard is headed for a big season.

With Joe Harris gone, there was a void on the offensive end. Anderson appears to be the player most capable and ready to fill that void. 

Through two games, Anderson is the only player to score in double digits in both games and is 7-of-10 from three-point range. 

Last season, Anderson came off the bench and provided energy, hustle and instant offense. Now, he's too talented and valuable to leave out of the starting lineup, and all signs are pointing to a breakout year for Anderson. 

Freshman Isaiah Wilkins Has Been Impressive

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Freshman Isaiah Wilkins blocks a shot vs. Norfolk State

Including redshirt freshman Devon Hall, Virginia has five freshmen on the 2014-15 roster. So far through two games, forward Isaiah Wilkins—stepson of NBA legend Dominique Wilkins—has been impressive. 

In the season opener at JMU, Wilkins played 19 minutes, scored eight points, pulled down five rebounds, dished out three assists, blocked two shots and had two steals. Not a bad performance for a true freshman in his first career game.

Against Norfolk State, Wilkins played just 13 minutes and didn't score, but he did block three shots and pull down three rebounds. 

If Wilkins continues to impress on the defensive end, he will be in line for more playing time as the competition gets tougher. 

London Perrantes Picks Up Where He Left off

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London Perrantes

Sophomore point guard London Perrantes made his 2014-15 debut in Sunday's home win over Norfolk State. Perrantes, of course, was suspended for the season opener.

He played 28 minutes, scored seven points, had four assists and did not turn the ball over once.

Last season, Perrantes was terrific with his assist-to-turnover ratio. It was a major reason why Bennett counted on the true freshman so early last season. 

If Perrantes continues to play at a high level, UVA will be a national title contender.