Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/753633
8 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER CAVALIER CORNER: You originally committed to Marquette, but rescinded that pledge after head coach Buzz Williams ac- cepted the same position at Virginia Tech. Since other high-profile programs like Indiana, Florida and Michigan recruited you, what were the reasons why you chose Virginia? SHAYOK: "After I got out of my Marquette commitment, I felt I should give strong consideration to schools that had recruited me. I visited UVA the summer before my senior year in high school. I had a strong connection with the players and the coaching staff. "My dad [Markur] came with me on the visit and he liked the other coaches. I saw the chemistry they had and they had a great year. It was a great opportunity for me, so I ran with it. I was blessed to get an offer from UVA." CAVALIER CORNER: Your father played basketball at Dayton and then professionally overseas. In what way or ways might he have influenced you both from an athletic and personal stand- point? SHAYOK: "He was an amazing influence. He pretty much put the ball in our hands [Marial has two brothers and one sister]. He gave us an appreciation for the game and the meaning of hard work. "At a young age I fell in love with basketball. On and off the court he taught me how to take care of my business, especially my schoolwork." CAVALIER CORNER: You played in the 2012 Nike Global Challenge in Washington, D.C., and the 2012 Under-17 World Championships in Lithuania. Please give me an idea of what it was like playing against elite players from around the world? SHAYOK: "It was great. You get to see different skill sets from other countries. It was really competitive. "You learn a lot from how hard they play. It was cool to see that style. It was awesome to play for my country [Canada]." CAVALIER CORNER: Last season, Virginia reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 1995 before losing to Syracuse. Since Malcolm Brogdon, Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey graduated, what do you feel you're capable of doing in order to help overcome the loss of this trio? SHAYOK: "I think I have the opportunity to grow as a player and I learned from other players. They taught the new guys the ways of our program. "I worked hard over the summer in order to provide help for my team at both ends of the floor." CAVALIER CORNER: In the same vein the preseason coaches' poll ranked Virginia seventh in the country. Despite the loss of Brogdon, Gill and Tobey why do you feel the team is capable of living up to such a high ranking? SHAYOK: "Honestly, I'm not too worried about the ranking. A lot can change during the season. We have to be the best we can be and develop our own identity. "Wherever we end up being ranked, I'll be happy as long as we give it our all." — Mike Scandura FIVE QUESTIONS THIRD-YEAR GUARD MARIAL SHAYOK Shayok averaged 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 15.0 minutes per game while playing in all 35 contests last year. PHOTO BY JIM DAVES/COURTESY UVA