Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1530198
6 CAVALIER CORNER cavalier sports S econd-year forward Blake Buchanan started six games last sea- son for Virginia, finishing second on the team in blocked shots (30) and third on the team in rebounding (3.1 boards per game). His efforts last year helped the Cavaliers make the NCAA Tournament with a 23-11 record. Cavalier Corner: Last year, you were part of a Virginia team that made the NCAA Tournament and finished third in the ACC. What was it like having a big role on a team that had success in your first season? Buchanan: "It was super fun. I didn't really know what to expect going into that year. It was a lot of unknowns with me, but I knew there was a lot of opportunities. As we went through the season, we got some big wins, which was very encouraging, and we had a chance to battle for an ACC regular-season title. "It's fun to be a part of that. You see the headlines and all that, but it was fun being part of that team." Cavalier Corner: In the offseason, what were you working on in your game in the lead-up to this season? Buchanan: "I did a lot of working on my body, trying to get stron- ger. I feel like that was a big thing. Some other things that I worked on were just my skill on the court, trying to space my game out, shoot better, dribble the ball better, kind of just the little things. "I just wanted to get really good at the things I was good at last year, and then just kind of extend my game a little more." Cavalier Corner: What has the transition from Coach Bennett to Coach Sanchez been like for you and the team? Buchanan: "It's been a little bit of a shift, but not too much. Coach [Ron] Sanchez has been under Tony Bennett for so many years. The defense is still the same. Sanchez was already running the offense when Bennett was there. "So, I think most of it's been the same. We do some different stuff in practice, but for the most part, it's been pretty much the same, just with a little bit of a twist." Cavalier Corner: How does growing up in Idaho compare to living in Charlottesville as a college student? Buchanan: "I grew up in a college town. My mom was a volleyball coach at the University of Idaho, so I knew what it was like being on a college campus. I was around college athletes the majority of my childhood, so coming here wasn't a big shock. I kind of knew how it was. "I'm a coach's kid, so I kind of understand all that type of stuff. Back in Idaho, there's a lot of mountains and all that type of stuff, so I get that a little bit here." Cavalier Corner: As a returner, what are your goals for this season as a second-year player taking on a bigger role with the team? Buchanan: "I think my biggest thing this year is just lead this team on and off the court. Last year, it's hard to do as a freshman, but I think this year I can lead in a lot more ways since I'm experi- enced. "My role wasn't to score as much last year, so I'll try to do that more this year. But I just want to do all the little things super well and then step up where I need to be." — Duncan McGrath five questions with Men's Basketball Second-Year Forward Blake Buchanan Buchanan finished second on the team in blocked shots (30) and third in rebounding (3.1 boards per game) last year. (Photo courtesy UVA)