State’s best? Liberty adds to its claim
LEXINGTON Thousands came here to celebrate two of the great basketball teams in VMI history.
They also came to witness what the Keydets faithful believe might be the next great VMI basketball team.
The crowd, the first sellout in Cameron Hall's 28-year history, was introduced to the players from VMI's 1975-76 and 1977-78 teams at halftime.
Those squads were a combined 48-10, with NCAA final eight and Sweet 16 appearances between them.
Hopes are high for this year's VMI team. And quite a performance was given yesterday.
Unfortunately for VMI fans, the best team in the arena was the Liberty University Flames.
At times, the 5,029 spectators raised the noise level to a notch or two above bedlam. Cameron Hall was in danger of lifting off its foundation.
With the corps of cadets shouting encouragement to the Keydets and things less flattering to the Flames, the atmosphere had the feel of another Cameron, the one at Duke.
The Flames never flinched. They won the Big South showdown 91-80.
That raises the question: Is Liberty the state's best team?
"I just hope we can win the next game," said Liberty coach Ritchie McKay.
Coaches. Their tunnel vision would be impressive if it weren't so confounding.
The Flames won at Virginia, an ACC team, beat William and Mary and George Mason, CAA teams, lost at Clemson (ACC) by five, at DePaul (Big East) by one and at St. Louis (A-10) by three.
Yesterday's performance settles nothing -- VMI played without Travis Holmes, out with a knee injury, and his 19 points per game. And Liberty does have almost inexplicable losses to Winthrop and Presbyterian.
But few teams in the state could withstand what Liberty handled from the Keydets and their crowd.
The Flames came into a hostile environment, started three freshmen, fell behind early then took control of the game.
"I think you've got to take a look at us," Flames guard Jesse Sanders said of best-in-the-state consideration. "I don't know if we have the right to make that claim yet, but we're definitely in there."
Every discussion of Liberty starts with Seth Curry, freshman guard, brother of Stephen Curry at Davidson and son of Dell Curry, a former Virginia Tech star who played 16 seasons in the NBA.
Curry does not perform in a vacuum. Sanders is remarkably poised for a freshman. The Flames start five "guards," but Anthony Smith, who is 6-5 and grabbed 17 rebounds yesterday, and Brolin Floyd, 6-6, do a good imitation of power forwards.
Still, Curry is a game-changer. He has a flawless jump shot, handles the ball well under pressure and has a feel for basketball that separates outstanding players from good players.
His career-high 35 points against VMI were impressive. His poise and leadership were just as significant.
The Flames were up by 16 in the second half when Curry was given a breather. In a minute of game time, the Keydets cut the margin to nine.
Curry returned. The Flames settled down.
Teams in the Big South and beyond have been served notice.
The Flames can play. It is perilous to overlook or underestimate them.
Contact Paul Woody at (804) 649-6444
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Reader Reactions
Good article. I agree with everything, except there weren’t enough words of praise for Coach McKay. He had his team ready to play against the Keydets, a team that is extremely difficult to defend with all that is coming at you. When you have three freshman starters ready to hold the Keydets to 80 points scoring, that says something about your coaching ability. He obviously enjoys what he does. Didn’t blink an eye.
One other thing, Mr. Woody. Seth Curry was smooth as silk. It certainly didn’t look like 35 points was a career high, but the real spark for Liberty though was Jesse Sanders. His energy was palpable. He even looks like a spark plug.
You’ll be back, Travis. Come back quickly, but take each step slowly.
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