By: Whitelaw Reid

(In alphabetical order)

Darion Atkins

Ht: 6-8

Wt: 222

Yr: Fr.

Pos: F

Hometown: Clinton, Md.

Last season: 15.2 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 7.3 BPG*

The skinny: Right now the best thing about Atkins is his shot-blocking ability. He possesses a 7-foot-1 wingspan and is the best jumper on the team. Every other part of his game, however, is a work in progress and he is being considered for a redshirt season.

Malcolm Brogdon

Height: 6-5

Wt: 215

Yr: Fr.

Pos: G

Hometown: Norcross, Ga.

Last season: 25.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 3.6 APG*

The skinny: Brogdon has drawn rave reviews for his play in preseason and should get consistent minutes. He has shown that he is physically ready to play at the college level and that he has the ability to slide over to point guard if need be — a strong possibility if Sammy Zeglinski can’t stay healthy.

Jontel Evans

Ht: 5-11

Wt: 188

Yr: Jr.

Pos: G

Hometown: Hampton

Last season: 5.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.5 APG

The skinny: Is back at full strength after a knee injury sidelined him early in the preseason. Evans should see plenty of playing time because he remains the team’s best on-the-ball defender — the only UVa player capable of defending the ultra-quick point guards. Evans’ shooting remains his bugaboo — he’s just a 38 percent career shooter, 59 percent from the foul line.

KT Harrell

Ht: 6-4

Wt: 202

Yr: So.

Pos: G

Hometown: Montgomery, Ala.

Last season: 8.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.8 APG

The skinny: Harrell had a topsy-turvy freshman season. He scored in double figures in 11 of the team’s first 19 games but failed to do so in the team’s final 11 contests. A probable starter this season, Harrell clearly needs to become more consistent — something he believes is on the horizon after losing some weight over the summer and tweaking his jumper.

Joe Harris

Ht: 6-6

Wt: 211

Yr: So.

Pos: G

Hometown: Chelan, Wash.

Last season: 10.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.3 APG

The skinny: Should have made the All-ACC freshman team last season (was snubbed). Harris drilled a team-leading 65 3-pointers, the second most by any freshman in UVa history. With opponents now well aware of his exploits, he must expand his offensive repertoire. The return of Mike Scott should give him more open looks.

Paul Jesperson

Ht: 6-6

Wt: 197

Yr: Fr.

Pos: G

Hometown: Merrill, Wis.

Last season: 22.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.7 APG*

The skinny: Shooting is Jesperson’s biggest strength. But with upperclassmen in front of him, playing time could be hard to come by. Needs to add strength. Like Atkins, a candidate to be redshirted.

James Johnson

Ht: 6-9

Wt: 238

Yr: R-Fr.

Pos: F

Hometown: Wildomar, Calf.

Last season: 18.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG*

The skinny: After redshirting last season, Johnson is one of the biggest unknowns. Has a very good skill set and athleticism. Extremely high upside. Still trying to adjust to pace and nuances of college game. Has struggled with minor injuries.

Akil Mitchell

Ht: 6-8

Wt: 234

Yr: So.

Pos: F

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

Last season: 2.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.8 APG

The skinny: Probably the best athlete on the team, Mitchell could prove to be one of the team’s most important players. He can guard at least four positions on the court. Could be a terror on the offensive glass. His shooting is the big question.

Mike Scott

Ht: 6-8

Wt: 237

Yr: Sr.

Pos: F

Hometown: Chesapeake

Last season: 15.9 PPG, 10.2, 1.6 APG

The skinny: Before getting injured last season, Scott was a double-double machine. Was the first Wahoo to post five consecutive double-doubles since Ralph Sampson. His unexpected return as a fifth-year senior is the main reason why pundits are talking about Virginia as a possible NCAA Tournament team. Must stay healthy.

Assane Sene

Ht: 7-0

Wt: 239

Yr: Sr.

Pos: C

Hometown: Saint-Louis, Senegal

Last season: 5.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG

The skinny: Without Scott in the lineup, Sene came into his own last year, setting career highs in points, rebounds and minutes played. With Scott back, Sene’s production figures to increase. But if nothing else, he needs to continue to be a defensive presence in the middle — and stay out of foul trouble.

Sammy Zeglinski

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 184

Yr: Sr.

Pos: G

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

Last season: 7.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.3 APG

The skinny: Has battled injuries his entire career, so staying healthy will be his big key. Can be a difference maker offensively when he gets hot. As a fifth-year senior, his leadership and willingness to take the big shot will be the biggest things he brings to the table.

*denotes high school stats