Of course, Joe Harris and Mustapha Farrakhan put on otherworldly shooting performances last night against Minnesota, and Mike Scott turned in another workmanlike double-double in the winning effort. But I don't want this stat line to be lost in the shuffle:
20 minutes / 7 points / 6 rebounds / 7-for-8 free throws / 2 blocked shots
That was Assane Sene. And I don't even think the stats tell the tale. The big man was active, aggressive, physical, clutch, and he chased the ball better than I've ever seen him. He got down on the floor, he mixed it up in the lane, and he made numerous "hustle plays." He was [mostly] sound on defense. He threw his body around and played as hard as he possibly could. He was absolutely instrumental in last night's win.
So even more than Joe Harris quickly ascending to the go-to scoring role or streaky Mu having a mostly "on" night or primary pivot Mike Scott having yet another rock-solid game, it is Sene's improved play that gives me more hope for the immediate future.
This team desperately needs another big man to help Scott in the post. It needs another strong rebounding presence. It needs a shot blocker to scare opponents from driving to the hoop. Sene has the potential to fill these roles, and last night (for maybe the first time in his UVA career) he realized that potential.
With Will Sherrill potentially out for an extended period of time, the future is now for Assane Sene. If he can build on last night's performance, he (and the team) could be better than anyone dared hope.
I'm pulling for the guy, because if he can step up and do what he did last night on a regular basis, it could be the key that unlocks a successful season for Virginia Basketball.
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