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Brogdon averaged 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game as a rookie last season. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA HOO TO WATCH: MALCOLM BROGDON the X-factor. If the second-year is able to return to form following offseason foot surgery, Virginia head coach Tony Bennett's Malcolm Brogdon could very well be Virginia's X-factor this season. More specifically, Brogdon's left foot could be rotation will be just the way he wants it. But if Brogdon can't, things get a little tricky. A prolonged absence would mean that some of the team's first-years would have to play right away. Brogdon had a very good first-year campaign, averaging 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. His best game cane in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge when he scored a career-high 16 points in an upset win over No. 14 Michigan. During the season, the Norcross, Ga., native established himself as one of Virginia's better defensive players, showed an uncanny confidence in clutch situations and proved that he could play both guard positions. However, Brogdon hurt his foot in a late-season win over Virginia Tech. After trying to play against North Carolina, he was shut down for the season and underwent a rare procedure in which a bone had to be reconnected. Brogdon missed both the ACC and NCAA tournaments and has been rehabbing ever since. Bennett isn't sure when Brogdon will be able to get back on the court. In late October, he still hadn't been cleared to return to all basketball-related activities. "I wish I could you give you a timetable, " At the team's media day, Brogdon was optimistic. "I can't say whether or not I'll be back in time for the season opener]," he said, "but I can say I'll be playing this season. I'm making really good progress. " Bennett said. — Whitelaw Reid