Justin Anderson's sharp shooting
— -- This story appears in ESPN The Magazine's Feb. 16 Gambling Issue. Subscribe today!
WITH RIVAL Virginia Tech leading by 10 points midway through the second half on Jan. 25, the Cavaliers' undefeated record was in jeopardy. Virginia had scored just two baskets since the break and was desperate for an offensive boost. Then, right on cue, junior Justin Anderson stepped up. In the game's final seven minutes, the 6-foot-6 guard scored 10 of his team's 14 points -- his 15th double-digit performance through 19 games this season -- reviving the Cavaliers and helping secure a three-point victory. It's just one of Anderson's many clutch performances this season -- and a big part of what's propelled the Cavs to their best start since 1980-81.
But it's not the kind of blistering offense you would have seen from Anderson last season. What changed? The Virginia native spent the offseason in Chicago with his cousin, Bears tackle Jermon Bushrod, training at a nearby gym and focusing on his shooting mechanics. "I wanted to fine-tune a lot," Anderson says. "It was a lot of balance work, keeping my eyes on the rim, shooting off the dribble, shooting fadeaways, just different ways of getting shots."
The work paid off. Anderson dropped 12 pounds (he's now 228) and shoots 51.9 percent from behind the arc, averaging 13.9 points, up from 7.8 last season. "He worked hard in the offseason," coach Tony Bennett says. "His decision-making, shot selection -- he's a more mature player."
And it's not just Anderson's game that's been transformed as a result: Virginia, long touted for its pack-line defense, has earned a new reputation this season as an offensive powerhouse. The Cavs are outscoring foes by nearly 20 points per game, with three players -- Anderson and fellow juniors Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill -- scoring in double figures. "We know the one thing that will always stand is our defense," Anderson says. "But guys went home and worked on the offensive aspects of the game, and we're seeing the benefits."
Here's how the success breaks down.
Scoring Shift
The Cavs rank sixth in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency (118.0), thanks in large part to Anderson's hot hand. Last season his offensive rating didn't crack the top 100.
129.0 Anderson's Offensive Rating (First in ACC)
Complete Package
UVa's pack-line D is still going strong: The Cavs have held three opponents to fewer than 30 points this season. Add an improved offense and fewer turnovers and Virginia's scoring margin is third in the nation.
19.1 Virginia's Victory Margin, Points Per Game (Third in nation)
Shooting Range
After finishing 116th in the country last season with an effective field goal percentage of 50.8, the Cavs are taking smarter shots, upping that number to 52.8 thanks to more treys: Anderson is fourth in the nation in 3-point shooting at 51.9 percent.
62.2 Anderson's eFG Percentage (Third in ACC)
All stats through Jan. 26 and courtesy of Kenpom.com.
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