UVA basketball: Five things to watch

1. New coach Tony Bennett, right, won 69 games the past three seasons at Washington. He takes over a Virginia program that won 48 in the same span. How quickly can he change the culture,

Even with eight of their top nine scorers back, the Cavs are a long way from making waves in the ACC. All those returning points amounted to the league's second-worst scoring offense. And the defense was even less capable. "We're trying to introduce our style, our system," Bennett said. "I think because everything is new, you have to spend a little more time teaching and maybe go a little slower. We're trying to establish in practice some foundational things... the things that have helped us build some pretty good programs wherever I've been."

2. Chief among those "foundational things" is great defense. Trouble is, his new team isn't accustomed to shutting down anyone.

Washington State ranked 17th nationally in scoring defense in 2006-07, third in 07-08 and No. 1 last season. The Cavs were 220th, 293rd and 282nd. So the new sheriff has been hammering into his new charges the principles of his defensive scheme: clog the lane and force contested outside shots. Bennett: "I want our guys to say, 'Playing for Coach Bennett, if you take care of the ball, he's a good guy to play for offensively.... But defensively, he's a jerk to play for.' "

3. Everyone knows sophomore Sylven Landesberg has game. Bennett wants to know if he has leadership skills.

The ACC's Rookie of the Year last season, Landesberg was a singular sensation, averaging 16.6 points and six rebounds. That won't be enough for his new boss. "The good players I've been around, they impact their team by elevating the play of their teammates," Bennett said. "I really want him to try and embrace that." And Landesberg will be working on his defense, too. "He's working at it because he has to," Bennett said. "... I will ask every one of these guys to lay it on the line on the defensive end."

4. Calvin Baker recently had his third surgery since the end of last season. Already thin at guard, the Cavs need him healthy again.

Baker had arthroscopic surgery Oct. 27 to remove loose cartilage from his right knee. He was expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Baker also had offseason foot surgery and a knee scope this summer. The former Woodside High star was third on the team in scoring (8.4) and second in assists (2.8) last season. Until Baker gets up to speed, U.Va. will lean on sophomore Sammy Zeglinski (7.8 ppg, 3.0 apg) and freshman Jontel Evans.

5. Even if he weren't suspended for the first three games, shot-blocking 7-foot center Assane Sene wouldn't have much to offer offensively.

Virginia will need its forwards to carry the scoring load in the paint. Mike Scott, a 6-8 former Deep Creek star, could be ready for a breakout season. He averaged 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds last season. He'll be joined by 6-8 guard/forward Tristan Spurlock, a rangy, ready-to-play freshman with athleticism and some scoring potential.