In the moment, Virginia’s young players sounded committed to the future
Charlottesville, Virginia Elijah Gertrude, a freshman guard from Virginia, saw little action in the second half of the basketball season. Nevertheless, when asked if he was happy he played this year rather than saving a season of eligibility and taking a redshirt, Gertrude didn’t hesitate. He had missed the ACC tournament and played just two minutes in UVa’s season-ending First Four loss to Colorado State last week.
“Definitely,” Gertrude said. “It’s different watching a game rather than being out there. I definitely feel it was a good experience getting out there sometimes and seeing what it’s like, the atmosphere. Being out on the floor is a lot different from just watching from the side.”
For the third straight time UVa has left an NCAA tournament without notching a victory. And, once again, while other teams were advancing deeper into March Madness, the Cavaliers were left to ponder what might have been and what the future may look like.
