University of Virginia Library

'Rely On Strong Defense'

First Year Cagers Lack Height

By Bob Nigro

Cagers Hold Memorial Gym Practice Under Watchful Eye Of Coach DiBiaso

Speed and precision of
execution will have to characterize
this year's first-year
cagers. In view of a lack of
height and strength, the tallest
man is only 6-4, Coach Dick
DiBiaso said, "We will have to
rely on sound defense, a good
fast break, and take advantage
of every opportunity to have a
season as successful as last
year's."

Citing the publicity that the
coaching controversy received
last year, Coach DiBiaso reported
that Virginia's recruiting
fortunes were severely
stifled. Only three boys were
signed to scholarships, but
Coach DiBiaso feels that he has
three well rounded ball players
in Jim Hobgood, Larry Gerry,
and Barry Parkhill.

Both Parkhill and Hobgood, at
6-3 and 6-4 respectively, have the
speed and mobility of a guard, as
well as a forward's height. They will
be operating as swing men, Gerry,
who is quite a bit stronger and can
stay on the boards with men several
inches taller, will play almost
exclusively at forward.

Larry Gerry, the younger
brother of varsity started Bill
Gerry, will get much help from
Jerry Borman, and Marvin Collie.
Berman is a scrapper at 6-2, and
Collie at 6-4 200 pounds, is being
counted on to provide some power
inside.

The duel for the center spot is
being fought by Will Palmer, a West
Virginian, and Lee Pringle, a Culver
Military grad from Richmond. Both
have effective shots from around
the lane, and are adept at jamming
the middle on defense.

The five remaining guards are
evenly matched, but it looks like
Jim Farmer, 6-1 from Huguenot in
Richmond, will get the starting
nod. One thing is certain, though,
with the emphasis on speed and
running Joe Thompson, James
Small, Don Shuller and Pat Patrick
will see a lot of action spelling
both Farmer and Parkhill.

One aspect of freshman ball that
Coach DiBiaso stressed is that their
goals are quite different from those
of the varsity. "The players by the
end of the season must know the
fundamentals of offense and defense.
They must know the various
types of presses and be able to
execute them well. At the same
time they must set their academic
foundation. It is my job to make
sure of this. If the wins come along
with this, then we're happy, but
everything is geared for these
players to move right up to the
varsity level."

Commenting on the boys who
played for him during his first season
he went on to say, "I am proud of
my boys last year both athletically,
academically and as individuals. As
a coach, I can't say anything
negative about anyone. And I am
quite happy because all the same
signs are evident this year too."