All-Coast Conference (Day 2)

Amid ACC activities this week, Virginia and Miami stood out. That’s because of what’s happening on the court — and off the court. Let’s get to it.

1. Could Virginia actually (gasp!) play faster this season?

When you have an 18-team league that spans multiple days for a media event, there better be something interesting that emerges. And no, we’re not counting Jon Scheyer reportedly beating Jayson Tatum in a game of one-on-one.

But when Virginia guards Taine Murray and Isaac McKneeley raved about the new offense in Thursday’s ACC Tip-Off, well, that counts.

“Whoever gets it, we’re pushing, trying to get up the floor as fast as we can,” McNeeley said.

In the Tony Bennett era, Virginia is known for one of the slowest-paced offenses in college hoops. The Hoos have ranked 345th in adjusted tempo since 2014, averaging more than 60 possessions a game just three times in that span. Despite winning a national title and finishing first in the ACC six times, the approach has its critics and occasional thuds. Like against Colorado State in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

But a “different type of offense” sounds promising. With newcomers such as Jalen Warley and TJ Power, maybe this is the year Virginia actually speeds up? Mike Barber of The Virginian-Pilot outlined that in a recent article. “I think one of the things that they want to move away from is being scoutable,” Power said. “We want to be able to make reads ourselves and take what the defense gives us.”

That could just be talk during the preseason. But Bennett discussed on Thursday how he doesn’t want a repeat of last season where Virginia dealt with blowout losses. Part of that was addressed through transfer portal additions. And part of that may be through a slight style shift.

That was just the start of the Field of 68’s coverage. The other 11 coaches and some of the players can be viewed here:

While here some other notable quotes:

• Syracuse wing Chris Bell notes the chemistry has improved. “There hasn’t been any issues. There haven’t been any arguments.”

• UNC guard Seth Trimble wants to be the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

• Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry notes that the Irish will play faster on offense.

• Louisville’s revamped roster features “winners” recruiting by new coach Pat Kelsey. “If you’re brining in winners to join other winners, you’re gonna win with those winners,” says J’Vonne Hadley.

• Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes think this could be the “most athletic, fastest team” he’s had.

• Cal coach Mark Madsen says the Bears can play 10-11 guys in any game.

• Brad Brownell’s not on the hot seat this season. Does that remove any motivation?

2. Miami’s massive recruiting moment

This could be the biggest 48-hour span Miami’s ever had in recruiting. In basketball.

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