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Hoo To Watch: Justin Anderson There haven't been too many players in recent Virginia basketball history who have been able to get a home crowd fired up quite like Justin Anderson. Last season as a first-year, the Montross, Va., native was, with apologies to former Atlanta Hawk Dominique Wilkins, a "Human Highlight Film." Anderson frequently had John Paul Jones Arena howling. His highwire act, which included an array of dunks, alley-oops and blocked shots, was a regular occurrence by the end of the season. In Virginia's NIT quarterfinal game against Iowa, the 6-6 wing had 24 points (which included five three-pointers), six rebounds and five blocks. Anderson, who on the season averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 blocked shots a game, said he feels more confident heading into his second-year season. "You don't know what intensity level to expect as a freshman," An- Anderson, an athletic second-year derson said. "Now I can feel it when Coach [Tony] Bennett talks. I can guard, established career highs tell by how we're communicating, by what time of practice it's going in points (24) and three-pointers to be. When you're a freshman, you don't really understand. Instead (five), plus tied a career best with five blocked shots, versus Iowa in of being ahead of the game, you're being trying to play catch-up." One of the most underrated things about Anderson last season was the NIT quarterfinals last year. photo by matt riley/courtesy UVa his passing — he had nearly a two-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio. Bennett wants to see Anderson become more consistent in all facets of his game this season. "He makes big monster plays — offensively and defensively — that impact the game," Bennett said. "I'd like to see him fill in some of those gaps and have a more efficient, sounder game." It's early, but Bennett said he has already seen a difference in Anderson during practice. "He is learning to be continuous, moving without the ball more and not just standing," Bennett said. "He has worked more on his outside shot and his ball handling. He does not have to be a volume shooter, but he can impact the game with his pull-up shot and getting to the offensive glass. "At times, we put him as a forward last year … [but] mostly he has been playing on the perimeter, and I think he has shown great strides." Anderson's personality is just as effervescent as his style of play. During games, he can usually be seen chatting up a storm to anybody who will listen, often times to referees and opposing players. While Bennett said it's important for Anderson to remain focused, he noted he would be foolish to try and temper too much of his exuberance. "He's an emotional player, and he does have great passion," Bennett said. "That's how he is. I think it's good. "Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. I think on your team, some of your guys are a little more stoic and intense. Justin, you can just see it — he's alive. I think it's good to have the different personalities on your team." — Whitelaw Reid i14-16.Men's Basketball Preview.indd 6 11/5/13 2:18 PM