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Indoor Stadium — a two-hand jam that whetted Virginia fans' appetites — would be a great start. The third question related to Virginia's overall success — staying healthy — is hardest to answer. Last spring, second-year Malcolm Brogdon un- derwent foot surgery (see sidebar) and, as of late October, had still not been cleared to play. In the fall, starting point guard Jontel Evans also had foot surgery. He was expected to return sometime in mid-November. Both Brogdon and Evans are vital pieces. Evans is the team's lone scholarship fourth-year — a player who has improved every year. Last season, he made the ACC All-Defensive Team and helped lead UVa to the tournament. Arguably the quickest guard in the league, Evans is an unquestioned team leader. His scoring has increased in each of his first three seasons, and it will probably need to do so again for Virginia to be successful. Evans said he will also need to create more for teammates this season. "The job of a point guard is to know how ev- erybody plays," Evans said. "This summer, I feel like I did a good job of learning how people like to play on this team. I don't think when I come back [from the injury] there's going to be a lapse. I feel like we'll be able to pick up where we left off, and I'll be able to get guys open shots." Another plus that Virginia has going for it in returning to the NCAA Tournament is the fact that the ACC is once again top heavy. After the first tier of schools, which is expected to include NC State, Duke, North Carolina, Florida State and Miami, there isn't any squad that, on paper, is head and shoulders above UVa. In the first-ever 18-game conference schedule, Virginia plays expected bottom feeders Boston College, George Tech and Virginia Tech two times each, while meeting NC State and Duke just once each. Harris, for one, enjoyed playing in the Big The healthy return of fourth-year starting point guard Jontel Evans (foot surgery) is crucial to Dance last season and is eager to return. "Going to the NCAA Tournament last year was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had," he said. "Seeing your name get called on Selection Sunday is an awesome feeling. "Obviously, that's the goal every year — to get back to the NCAA Tournament. Some of the guys having a taste and experiencing that — it just makes you that much hungrier to get back." Bennett, who compiled a 53-41 mark in his first three seasons at UVa, isn't sure if his team will be in contention come this March, but he definitely is pleased with the direction that his program is heading. "I like what's in place," he said. "Whether it comes to fruition this year or next year, we're in a good place." ◆ the success of head coach Tony Bennett's team. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA