Star guard Justin Anderson’s fractured finger did not stop Virginia from topping ninth-ranked Louisville 52-47 February 7, nor did it prevent Virginia from being ranked No. 2 in the country again this week. But what does it mean for the Cavaliers for the rest of the regular season, with Anderson out of commission for the next four to six weeks?
“Losing someone who is playing as well as Justin Anderson is playing, particularly at this time of the year, certainly is cause for concern,” said legendary UVA coach Terry Holland. “However, Coach Bennett and his staff will make the adjustments necessary to replace Justin’s contributions in the short term and it is possible that these adjustments may actually make the team stronger in postseason play when Justin is expected to be back. No one player will replace Justin, but everyone will share that load.”
The most formidable team during the rest of Virginia’s regular season is Louisville—again— March 7.
On Coach’s Corner February 9, Coach Tony Bennett said they’d have a better feel in a couple of weeks how Anderson’s left pinkie is doing following surgery. “You’re at that point in the season you want to get him back quickly, but safely.” The rest of the season will be more challenging, he said, “but these things happen.”
Anderson tweeted his thanks for fans’ concerns and prayers February 8 after his surgery. “All went well,” he wrote. “I’ll be back soon.”