Singletary’s Number To Be Retired

Official Release, UVa Athletics Media Relations

Sean Singletary will join six other former Virginia men’s basketball players whose uniform numbers have been retired when his No. 44 is retired at halftime of the Cavaliers’ game with Clemson on Feb. 15. Singletary currently plays for the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association and will be in attendance at the game because of the break for the NBA All-Star Game.

The other former Virginia men’s players whose numbers have been retired are Jeff Lamp (3), Barry Parkhill (40), Ralph Sampson (50), Bryant Stith (20), Wally Walker (41) and Buzzy Wilkinson (14). Their numbers and Singletary’s No. 44 will not be worn again.

“Sean is very deserving of this honor,” said Virginia men’s head basketball coach Dave Leitao. “He meant so much to this program and his name deserves to be mentioned with the names Lamp, Parkhill, Sampson, Stith, Walker and Wilkinson as one of the great players in the history of Virginia basketball.”

Singletary is the first Virginia player to have both his jersey and number retired. His jersey was retired in ceremonies prior to his final regular season home game last season. The numbers of players honored with jersey retirement remain active, but Singletary’s No. 44 will now be retired.

Singletary finished his Virginia career in 2008 as one of three Cavaliers to earn first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors three times (only 25 players in the history of the ACC have accomplished the feat), one of five UVa players to score more than 2,000 points and ranked among the program’s leaders in a number of statistical categories. He concluded his UVa career by scoring in double figures in a program-record 55 consecutive games and he became the first player in ACC history to have 2,000 points, 500 assists, 400 rebounds and 200 steals in a career.

In his final season with the Cavaliers in 2007-08, the 6-0 point guard from Philadelphia, Pa., averaged 19.8 points, 6.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds a game. He was the only player in Division I that season to have a 40-point scoring game, a 10-rebound game and a 10-assist game. Singletary ranked second in the ACC in assists, third in scoring, fourth in free throw percentage (.851, 189-222), and sixth in steals (60, 1.82 spg.) and minutes played (34.0 mpg.) in 2007-08. He earned first-team All-ACC honors for the third consecutive season and was an honorable mention All-America selection by The Associated Press and CollegeHoops.net. He scored a career-high 41 points at Miami on March 1, 2008.

Singletary earned third-team All-America honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches and CollegeHoops.net in 2007. He was the first player to earn first, second or third-team men’s basketball All-America honors for Virginia since Ralph Sampson in 1983. Singletary averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 33.2 minutes played a game for the 2006-07 season.

A three-time team captain, Singletary finished his Virginia career ranked second on the Cavaliers’ career steals list (200), third in assists (587) and three-point field goals (222), fourth in free throws made (573), fifth in scoring (2,079 points) and ninth in field goals made (642). He led the Cavaliers in assists and steals each of his four seasons in the program, and in scoring his last three seasons.

This Week In Recruiting
By Chris Horne

Good news on the football recruiting front on Saturday, when Varina (VA) wide receiver Bobby Smith pledged to Al Groh and company.

Smith, a 6-5, 195-pound receiver who earned first-team all-region and first-team all-metro honors for his senior season performance, made an official visit to UVa on Saturday and Sunday. He was offered a scholarship and committed on Saturday, choosing the Cavaliers over offers from Bowling Green and Delaware. He had committed to Delaware before the Virginia visit.

The 24th prospect to commit to Virginia's 2009 class, Smith becomes the third true wide receiver commit of this class. A former commit, Camden (N.J.) wide receiver Tyree Watkins, decided to commit to Duke after an official visit to Durham on Jan. 23, leaving the Cavs with two true receiver commits prior to this past weekend.

UVa originally considered offering the Blue Devils standout on the condition that he would spend a year at prep school, but that is no longer the case. After substantial improvement in the classroom, Smith now has the opportunity to enroll this summer should he continue his current academic standing.

Be sure to check out Saturday's EDGE report on Smith's commitment, but also stay tuned for more later today.

The long and winding road of the 2009 class comes to an end on Wednesday with National Signing Day ... though there might be a twist. As reported on the EDGE Subscriber Board last Thursday night, Meadowbrook (Richmond, VA) star offensive lineman Morgan Moses did not plan to sign with any school on Wednesday. However, a recent Rivals report suggests that Moses will decide on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Regardless of when the decision comes, there is no question that Virginia remains very much in the hunt to land the 6-7, 340-pound senior target. At this point, North Carolina and Virginia are thought to be the favorites to land Moses, who is also considering Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. We'll follow up for more on Morgan later this week, so stay tuned.

Be sure to stay with TheSabre.com on Signing Day for the latest on Virginia's 2009 class. We'll continuously update letters of intent as they roll in, will offer thoughts and analysis after the class is announced, and much more.

On the basketball recruiting front, check out the EDGE today for an article on 6-5, 190-pound Miller School (Charlottesville, VA) junior guard Mychal Parker. Parker has Virginia very high on a list that includes Clemson, Florida, Miami and Virginia Tech as well.

Chris Horne, our resident recruiting expert, provides updates throughout the week for Edge subscribers about UVa's commitments and recruiting targets in football and men's basketball. To sign up for an Edge subscription, please check out the Sabre Edge Sign Up and Information Page. If you're already on board as an Edge subscriber, click the links below to catch up on recruiting.

Sabre Edge recruiting updates from the past week ...

Cavs Add WR to 2009 Class
The University of Virginia has picked up another commitment in the 2009 class, receiving a pledge today from a central Virginia standout wide receiver. This latest pledge gives the Cavaliers 24 verbal commitments - including three true receiver prospects - in the class.

Spurlock Optimistic About UVa's Future
Despite Virginia's struggles this season, Tristan Spurlock remains confident in the future of the program. In fact, the 6-8, 220-pound forward, a top get for head coach Dave Leitao and staff, is excited about the Cavaliers prospects in the 2009/2010 season.

More recent recruiting updates on The Sabre ...

• Postseason Update: LB Tucker Windle
• Rockbridge Jr. Primed for Busy Spring
• Woodberry Junior OL Receiving 1A Interest
• Illinois OL Preparing for UVa
• Jarrett Reflects on Virginia Visit

Shenandoah Spring Water delivers a variety of high quality bottled waters for the home and/or office. They are committed to providing you with caring, efficient delivery service, attentive customer service (with real people on the phone!), and the most carefully monitored and safest bottled water available. If you or your company is in need of bottled water, coffee, tea and a variety of other food and beverage services, please look to Shenandoah Spring Water.

Thank you again for supporting the sponsors of TheSabre.com. Please remember that TheSabre's sponsors are YOUR sponsors! They directly contribute towards our ability to bring you a better web site.

FSU Photos

Sabre photographer Mike Ingalls posted pictures from the Cavaliers' home game with Florida State late last week. Make sure you have an EDGE subscription and check out the images from the game! Basketball Photo Galleries.

Blog Banter: I’m officially worried about Dave Leitao

By Rob Mahini, The Good Ol' Blog

Up until very recently, I firmly believed that Leitao was rebuilding the Virginia basketball program back to its old heights. Maybe I’m late to this party, but I now am worried about whether Dave Leitao is going to achieve the sort of success at Virginia that we were expecting and that will keep him from being fired eventually. And this worry comes from my own observations of the program and from some recent writings about the team, especially this superb article (sub. req.) by Kris Wright about the offensive struggles.

Virginia’s basketball teams have consistently been poor on offense. Aside from the year that Leitao actually had two consistent scoring threats (the 2007 tandem of Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds), the offense is often best described as being of the pass-around-the-key-til-someone-bricks-a-three variety. Watching the FSU loss, I felt like I was taking in a movie I’d seen for the 10th time, like one of those comedies that TBS ends up showing nonstop. Only I’m not laughing. Supposedly, Leitao is running something called the “motion offense” (sub. req.) that involves something that Virginia’s players don’t do well: moving around! Of course, it’s more than that — poor passing, poor shooting, poor everything at times. But, overall, his players often fail to execute the motion offense’s fundamentals. Thus, this is year four of the Leitao era, and his program still hasn’t established the basics of his own offense. Young players, veteran players, guards, forwards, it doesn’t matter. Virginia’s offense remains stagnate.

My tentative conclusion: something is wrong with the way Leitao is teaching his offense. His players, year after year, simply aren’t getting it. ... Read the full blog post here!

Got some thoughts on the current state of affairs? Write me at [email protected].

Advertise With The Sabre!

Our advertising approach is different in that we make it abundantly clear in a direct and honest way that your company's commitment of sponsorship dollars is what enables the site to continue existing and improving into the future.

To learn more, please contact [email protected].

The Sabre is a vital part of a unique collegiate sports network that reaches nearly 2 million individuals per month. Like the Sabre, each site in the SportsWar network is an organically grown community and the emotional home for its fans.

To learn more about SportsWar network sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected] and visit the SportsWar media guide www.sportswar.com

To view a list of our sponsors, please visit our Sponsors Page.

Around the World of Wahoo Sports ...

• Gay Shatters School Record in 800m: Morgane Gay highlighted the Virginia track and field teams’ performance at the Penn State National Invitational on Saturday, shattering the all-time program record in the 800m. Finishing fourth in 2:08.07, Gay met the NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the event.
• Wrestling Hangs Tough in 21-12 Loss to No. 13 Va. Tech: The Virginia wrestling team dropped a 21-12 ACC match to No. 13 Virginia Tech Saturday afternoon in a nip-and-tuck battle in front of a near-capacity crowd at Deep Run High School. The Hokies won the final three bouts to break a 12-all tie and secure the victory in the annual “Rumble on the River.”
• Virginia Men and Women Down Pittsburgh: The Virginia men and women’s swimming and diving teams defeated Pittsburgh Sunday at Trees Pool in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Cavalier women defeated the Panthers 131-103 while the men earned a 142-96 victory. Virginia set three pool records against the Panthers. Claire Crippen set a new mark in the 400 IM, clocking a time of 4:17.69. Teammate Mei Christensen eclipsed the pool record in the 100 back (54.65) and Pat Mellors also set a record in the 400 IM (3:49.15).
• Baseball Opens Team Practice for 2009 Season: The Virginia baseball team held its first official team practice for the 2009 season with an afternoon session Sunday at Davenport Field. Under clear, blue skies and with temperatures in the low 60s, the Cavaliers worked out as a team in preparation for the 2009 campaign, which kicks off Feb. 20 against Bucknell at Davenport Field.
• No. 18 Virginia Handles Longwood, 88-50: No. 18 Virginia defeated Longwood, 88-50, Sunday at John Paul Jones Arena. Lyndra Littles (17 points, seven rebounds), Kristen London (15 points), Monica Wright (13 points) and Ariana Moorer (15 points) led UVa to its third-straight win. Virginia (18-4) improved to 12-1 at John Paul Jones Arena this season.
• Virginia Defeats Japan National Team, 18-12: The Virginia women’s lacrosse team used a five-goal run midway through the second half to break open an even 11-11 contest, and hold off the Japan National team, en route to an 18-12 victory on Sunday morning.
• Men’s Tennis Sweeps ETSU to Advance to ITA National Indoors: The No. 5 Virginia men’s tennis team advanced to the 2009 ITA National Team Indoor Championships with a 7-0 win over No. 39 East Tennessee State Saturday night in a qualifying regional final at the Boyd Tinsley Courts at the Boar’s Head Sports Club. The Cavaliers, the reigning ITA National Indoor Champions, advance to the field of 16 next month at the Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago.
• Women’s Tennis Defeats Utah 5-2: The No. 28 Virginia women’s tennis team rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 5-2 win over No. 47 Utah in a ITA National Indoor qualifying consolation match at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center. After winning the doubles point, the Cavaliers (3-1) took four of the six singles matches.

For more Hoo news or to read full releases, check out Virginiasports.com.

Sabre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
$49.99 - $51.99

The V-Sabre full-zip performance fleece, by Turfer Sport, features a wonderful loft and fullness of pile. The V-Sabre is embroidered on the left chest. This V-Sabre jacket features zippered pockets, an adjustable hem with barrel locks and shock cord with a tapered styling.

Issue No. 158 - October 1, 2004

Cavaliers pass tough test vs. Syracuse

Virginia's first three football opponents didn't provide much of a challenge. They were too small, too slow -- and the Cavaliers were just too good.

Marques Hagans

Syracuse was a little different. The Orange aren't a great team by any means, but they are big and physical, especially on offense. Which is why UVa coach Al Groh anticipated a stern test, and that's exactly what his team got last Saturday.

For the first time this season, the 'Hoos were unable to dominate the line of scrimmage, but they flaunted much more big-play capability in producing a 31-10 victory at Scott Stadium. Syracuse had no run or pass of longer than 18 yards, while Virginia made four plays that covered 39 yards or more.

Junior quarterback Marques Hagans had a hand in all of those plays. He completed passes of 47 and 39 yards to Michael McGrew and a 54-yarder to Heath Miller. He also had a 59-yard scoring run in a near-flawless performance. He ended up 11 of 12 for 202 yards and a TD. He also rushed for a team-high 81 yards and two touchdowns.

The defense allowed several long drives but only relinquished one TD and one field goal in a solid performance. Chris Canty's injury in the fourth quarter was the lowlight of the game.

Coming Soon

The Sabre has you covered when it comes to Hoo news. Here are a few of the articles to expect on the site soon:

• Basketball Analysis: The basketball men's basketball team takes on Boston College and UNC this week. The Sabre will have coverage of the Cavaliers.
• Football's Big Recruiting Day: The Sabre follows National Signing Day.
• Jed Williams: Jed Williams is working on his latest piece for The Sabre.

In Case You Missed It ...

Sabre articles since the last SabreMail

Duke Drops Virginia
It took less than 20 seconds for Duke to score its first basket. It took less than 9 minutes to force 10 turnovers en route to a double-digit lead. It took less than a half to build the margin to 20 points. In other words, the nation's top ranked team wasted little time in dismantling a struggling Virginia team as expected. In the end, the Blue Devils handed the Cavaliers a 79-54 loss, UVa's fifth straight defeat and the sixth loss in seven 2009 games.

Q&A - Somdev Devvarman
Former Virginia tennis standout Somdev Devvarman's collegiate résumé ranks him arguably as one of the most successful collegiate tennis players of all-time. Consecutive NCAA Singles National Championships. ITA Indoor National Championship. A 158-27-career record, including 88-1 in his final two seasons. The Sabre sat down with Devvarman after his jersey was retired to gain his perspective on his rise through the pro ranks, playing with Andy Roddick, and the state of UVa tennis.

Inconsistent Offense Draws Criticism
When Virginia's Sylven Landesberg converted a tough lay-up with 1:34 to go in the first half against Florida State, the fans at the John Paul Jones Arena responded with a loud and somewhat sarcastic cheer Saturday. The reason? It was just the second field goal of the game for UVa, which finished the half with three made baskets and 16 points. It was a bad half for Dave Leitao's squad. Just one of those days. Or was it?

Get your Wahoo fix. Subscribe to Sabre Edge!

Every week, Sabre Edge provides you with exclusive articles, columns, special features, interviews and recruiting news, including daily recruiting updates. There's even a special message board just for subscribers. And to top it off, you get 10 percent off all of your UVa Bookstores purchases during your subscription.

All of the great Sabre Edge content can be yours for the price of $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Try it for a month and cancel if you like. But we think you'll get hooked on the Edge and find out for yourself why the most knowledgeable Cavalier fans are Edge subscribers.

If you're a true Wahoo, then the Sabre Edge is right for you. Check it out!

• Sabre Edge Info and Sign Up