Vanderbilt basketball kicked off its preseason with an exhibition game against Virginia in Charleston, South Carolina, showcasing both new and returning talent. This early matchup offered a glimpse of what the Commodores aim to achieve after reaching the Round of 32 last season.
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Jayden Leverett stood out with an impressive performance, scoring 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including a three-pointer. He also contributed seven rebounds, showing considerable improvement from his freshman year in strength and conditioning. Leverett expressed his focus on having fun and learning, acknowledging the impact of coach Rodney Terry on his development. His unexpected performance hinted that he could play a more significant role this season than initially anticipated.
Bangot Dak, a transfer from Colorado, played a more active role despite scoring only seven points on 3-of-9 shooting. Dak excelled on the boards, recording eight rebounds and blocking two shots. While his shooting efficiency needs improvement, it’s worth noting that the outdoor conditions may have affected both teams' shooting.
Ace Glass, another offseason transfer from Washington State, also made a mark in the exhibition. Though he struggled with his three-point shooting, missing all attempts, he managed to score 10 points by successfully driving to the basket. Glass finished with four of seven shooting inside the arc, demonstrating his potential as a key player alongside Tyler Tanner this season.
As the regular season approaches, these performances suggest positives for Vanderbilt's basketball future.