University of Virginia Library

Gibson's Basketball Hopes Improve;
Return Of Case And Reams Helps

By Bill Buck

The University of Virginia is
steeped in tradition. The Honor
System and the Coat and Tie are
part of the University's daily-life.
The failures on the basketball court
are nearing a traditional status. Last
season cannot be termed a failure.
After all, two starting players were
lost to the team for an entire season
and other injuries came every other
week. It is evident from attendance
that students are disenchanted with
our basketball. Forget the past
because this season promises to be
better than any previous seasons.

The Atlantic Coast Conference
schedule is one of the toughest in
the nation. This season the
Cavaliers will play only eight home
games. This includes the Redmen
from St. John's of New York and
the ever-powerful North Carolina
and Duke contingents.

Even though the overall record
last year was only 9-16, the Wahoos
had some very exciting games. The
one most outstanding in everyone's
mind was the contest between the
Cavaliers and second ranked North
Carolina. Virginia led at the half
42-41, and it looked as if they'd
pull off the upset of the season. To
the dismay of the 8,000 fans who
packed University Hall, the Tar
Heels rallied for a hard-fought
victory.

Even in defeat this game proved
a morale booster to the Cavaliers
for the remainder of the season.
This Carolina game was perhaps
typical of the brand of basketball
University fans have become
accustomed to watching in the last
few years. The Cavaliers may
seldom be the best team in the
conference, but they are certainly
never dull or predictable. Lose
when they are supposed to win, win
when they are supposed to lose, the
Cavalier basketballers guarantee the
spectators the unexpected. And few
teams in sports can make that
guarantee.

Head Coach Bill Gibson starts
his sixth year at the helm. He is
ably assisted by Chip Conner and
new First-Year Coach Dick
DiBaisio. Gibson should have a

good nucleus with seven returning
lettermen.

In addition to these players, the
return of Chip Case and Hugh D.
"Buddy" Reams should add icing
to the cake. Case was the team's
second leading scorer two seasons
ago but sat out last year with knee
injuries. Reams, one of the better
rebounders in the ACC, missed last
season due to hepatitis.

Back at the guard position this
year will be high-scoring third
year man Tony Kinn. Kinn, a
remarkable shooter from anywhere
on the court, led the Cavaliers in
scoring last season. His fantastic
outside shots brought the
University Hall crowd to their feet
many times.

Other returning guards include
third year man John English and
fourth year man Gary Laws. English
played well last year, excelling on
defense. Laws is the play maker and
should see a lot of action this
season.

Graduation also left its toll.
Gone is play making guard Barry
Koval and more important last
year's captain and workhorse Mike
Katos, this season in trying to
Katos's big black Converses Gibson
will have an ample selection to pick
from.

Mike Eikenberry and John
Gidding are back from seeing
limited action last year, but
Eikenberry at 6′6″ and Gidding at
6′7½″ add needed height under the
boards. Coming up from a
successful first year is big Bill Gerry

at 6′7″. Gerry was the workhorse
of the Cavalier yearling's last year and
will be a welcomed addition to the
varsity ranks. He is a very strong
rebounder and a good scorer from
the corners and underneath.

Last year Mike Wilkes fell into a
starting post from the departure of
Reams. This year Wilkes will be in
the starting five not because he fell
into it, but because he earned it
himself from last year's efforts.
Wilkes, only a second year man last
season, proved he could stand the
pressure of ACC competition in his
first try. His rebounding
contribution was the cornerstone
for Virginia's nine victories. As a
junior this season there should be
no stopping Mike on the boards.

Back at his center position will
be ever-improving Norm
Carmichael. The 6′10″ senior
should have his best season as a
Cavalier. Last year Carmichael was
a national leader in field goal
percentage and a leading rebounder
and scorer in the ACC.

The key to basketball hopes this
year is depth. This is what Virginia
has lacked for the last decade. This
is what the Cavaliers will win with
this year. With seven lettermen
returning, plus Case and Reams, the
Cavaliers may be set. But some
strong, hungry competition will be
in store for these veterans by the
graduates of the impressive
first-year team. Along with Gerry
will be ball handler Kevin Kenelly
and forwards Bill Fulton and Bob
Galione. Also Bill Creason and Joe
Morahan will add more depth.

New first-year Coach Dick
DiBaisio will have four incoming
scholarship players. He takes over
for Chip Conner, who becomes
Gibson's assistant and chief
recruiter.

Questioned recently about his
prospects for this year, Gibson said
his team would be "a fast break,
pressing ball club." He also stated
he expected his club to definitely
finish in the first division of the
ACC.

Forward Chip Case Fires Jump Shot For Packed House At University Hall

Injured Last Season, Case, Now Healthy, Should Revitalize Cavalier B-ball