Coach Odom Reflects on Queens' Battle Against Virginia's 'Elite' Defense

Stepping off the court at John Paul Jones Arena, Queens University head coach Ryan Odom couldn't help but sound a note of profound respect for the Virginia Cavaliers. Following a challenging matchup where his Royals ultimately fell short, Odom was remarkably candid in his post-game assessment, highlighting the sheer difficulty of playing against Tony Bennett's famously disciplined squad, especially on their home turf.

It wasn't just another game for Odom; it was a masterclass in defensive basketball. "They are an elite defensive team, there's no question about that," Odom began, his words painting a vivid picture of the relentless pressure his team encountered. He spoke with admiration, almost awe, about Virginia's notorious pack-line defense. "It's just so difficult to get good looks against them," he explained, detailing how UVA compresses the floor, denying easy paths to the basket and forcing contested shots time and again. It truly felt like his Queens team was battling against a brick wall, trying to find any sliver of daylight.

While the focus was heavily on UVA's defensive clinic, Odom also touched on their offensive capabilities, despite acknowledging that the Cavaliers might not have had their sharpest shooting night. "They missed some shots they normally make," he mused, indicating that Virginia possesses a deeper offensive threat than perhaps shown in this particular contest. He noted how Virginia could slow the pace when needed, patiently working for good looks and proving they could score both inside and from beyond the arc. It's a testament to their well-rounded, fundamentally sound approach, which Odom clearly admired.

Naturally, individual talents stood out even amidst the team-centric defensive display. Odom singled out Reece Beekman, praising him as a "really, really good player." It was evident that Beekman's leadership and ability to penetrate the defense were key elements that made the Cavaliers tick. "He makes them go," Odom affirmed, recognizing the senior guard's critical role. Other players like Isaac McKneely, known for his sharpshooting, and Andrew Rohde, a "tough kid" who plays with grit, also earned mentions for their contributions to UVA's cohesive unit.

For Queens, the game served as a valuable, albeit tough, learning experience. Odom reflected on his own team's struggles, particularly their inability to consistently get into the paint and score effectively against UVA's suffocating defense. "We talked about trying to get to the paint, but it was just so hard," he admitted, highlighting the constant challenge posed by Virginia's physical and smart play. Playing in front of a passionate crowd at JPJ and facing a top-tier program like Virginia is the kind of experience, he believes, that will ultimately help his team grow and develop, no matter how tough the loss feels in the moment.

In closing, Odom reiterated his respect for Coach Bennett and the Virginia program. It was clear that he views them as a benchmark for excellence in college basketball, a team built on unwavering principles and a commitment to defense that makes every opponent earn every single point. For Queens, this was more than just a defeat; it was a firsthand lesson in what it takes to compete at the highest level.