Each weekday, our college hoops experts discuss the biggest issues, trends and themes in the college basketball world.
1. After losing to George Washington, Virginia is in action again at the Charleston Classic. What's the Cavaliers' biggest problem right now?
Andy Katz: The Cavs didn't defend as well as they normally do in the loss to GW. They also need to get that swagger back, their aura of invincibility was missing.
C.L. Brown: I tend to believe the Cavs' defense will come around after a performance that was not what we've been accustomed to seeing. Their bigger problem is offensively. Justin Anderson's impact on their scoring was big last season, and they need a second perimeter player to step forward so teams can't just key on Malcolm Brogdon.
Jeff Goodman: This isn't the same team after coach Tony Bennett lost Justin Anderson last year. The Cavaliers are a top-25 team, but not an elite team. There's no shame in losing at George Washington. That's GW's biggest game of the year -- and the place was wild. But it's losing the toughness of Anderson, his defense -- and also the defense of Darion Atkins. Mike Tobey is an offensive player, so the defense will take a hit.
2. A new-look Arizona team faces Boise State at home to open the Wooden Legacy. What is this team's identity?
Katz: The Wildcats are still leaning on newcomers. Allonzo Trier will be a focal point, and so far, he appears ready to handle the heavy load.
Brown: I'd love to see Arizona meet Michigan State in the Wooden Legacy final to truly answer that question. As it stands now, I think the Wildcats have become a blue-collar team. They don't have the NBA lottery talent of year's past, but they may end up playing better collectively because of it.
Goodman: This is a major work in progress for Sean Miller. This is Boston College transfer Ryan Anderson's team. He's been the team's best player in practice nearly every single day, but my biggest concern is point guard play. Anderson and fellow senior Kaleb Tarczewski will be able to matchup with most front lines, and I think Trier is an explosive offensive player. But can Kadeem Allen or Parker Jackson-Cartwright play at a high enough level?
3. Utah put up 81 points on San Diego State, a traditionally strong defensive team. Is it possible for the Utes -- who face Texas Tech in Puerto Rico -- to be better on offense without Delon Wright?
Katz: The key is balance. The Utes are getting more even production. Larry Krystkowiak said the Utes show mental toughness. The culture shift has occurred in Salt Lake City. They now expect to win.
Brown: It's also possible San Diego State isn't as good defensively just two games into the season. That being said, Wright was such a talent that he -- rightfully so -- dominated the ball. Now the offense starts by going through Jakob Poeltl and branching out from there. It makes for better ball movement and more scoring opportunities for others.
Goodman: Sure. It's possible, but Wright did a little bit of everything. He was really good on the defensive end, ran the team and didn't get rattled. He wasn't a great shooter, but he made up for it with everything else. Junior college transfer Lorenzo Bonam won't be Wright, but he'll be solid -- and so it's up to the rest of the team. Poeltl has made strides and displayed a couple of improved post moves against the Aztecs, Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor are seniors who can space the floor, and I really like the young frontcourt guys: Brekkott Chapman and Kyle Kuzma.