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extra time in on my own and just trying to make sure I'm up to what I need to be in order to help the team win. Other than that, I feel like a lot is the same. We're getting after it the same way we would even if those guys were here." Being a vocal leader came easily to Per- rantes, despite being often described as "Cali cool." The more difficult challenge, he says, was modeling for his teammates what leadership looks like. "I think just bringing it every day, that's the biggest thing," he explained. "You have to be the guy who leads by example every single day. Malcolm and those guys, they're not here anymore. It's up to me. Being that guy means bringing it each and every day, bringing that energy and that focus and getting everything I can from everybody on the team. "It's my job to get the best from all of the guys every day so we can get better. That's been the hardest part, the grind of bringing that every day, but it's also been a lot of fun watching everybody grow and watching myself grow as a leader, too. It's been fun." Whether UVA makes it back to the Elite Eight (and beyond) or not, Perrantes has already had a college experience that humbles him. "I've got some young guys on this team that I want to make an impact on, whether that's on or off the court," he said. "I want to be a part of these guys' lives forever. No matter what happens, I'm getting my education and graduating in May so all of this truly is a dream come true for me and my family. "My four years, I've gained so many brothers because of the way we play and the nature of this program and the way we live," Perrantes added. "It's been an amaz- ing experience." ◆