UVa has big hole to fill

By Whitey Reid

Published: June 5, 2008

The obvious challenge for the Virginia basketball program in the coming years is finding somebody to replace star Sean Singletary.

On the flip side, the UVa men’s tennis program isn’t as concerned about the loss of its star, Somdev Devvarman.

That’s not to say the Cavaliers won’t miss Devvarrman — they certainly will — but coach Brian Boland has a number of guys in the fold who might have the potential to be Devvarman’s heir apparent.

At the top of the list is rising sophomore Sanam Singh, who, like Devvarman, hails from India.

Singh had a bitter ending to his freshman year when he cramped up before his final set of the decisive NCAA Tournament match against Georgia. But other than that, it was nothing but good times for Singh in the No. 4 spot.

Ted Angelinos and Treat Huey, recent graduates from the UVa tennis team, will take the court at the Real Estate III USTA-VA Open Clay Court Championships, beginning today at Glenmore Country Club.

Other state standouts in the draw include Virginia Tech No. 1 Albert Larregola and William & Mary No. 2 Dominic Pagon. Virginia Commonwealth assistant coach and former Old Dominion star Nataly Fleishman will compete in the women’s tournament.

With the loss of Devvarman and Huey to graduation, Singh could very well find himself playing No. 1 next season.

“You look back at Somdev’s freshman year and he didn’t achieve that much more than Sanam did,” Boland said. “Sanam has some skills that were much better than what Somdev had.

“Look out … the biggest difference that I find is that Sanam’s ability to come forward and finish points is better. His defensive skills need to improve, whereas Somdev had the defensive skills.”

Fellow rising sophomore Michael Shabaz, who played predominatly at No. 5 singles this year, also has top-of-the-lineup potential, according to Boland.

And you can look for Dom Inglot, who played at No. 3, to be a much better version of himself next season. The rising senior played most of this past year with a nagging shoulder injury that severely hampered his serve.

The most exciting part of next season, however, could very well be the arrival of freshman Milos Raonic.

Raonic, who was born in Montenegro but grew up outside Toronto, is considered one of the top junior players in the world.

Boland was also able to reel in Steven Eelkman Roosa, a highly regarded player from Holland, along with Drew Courtney (Clifton), David Nguyen (Columbia, Md.) and Reese Milner (Los Angeles).

“We’re excited about David, Drew and Reese joining the program,” Boland said. “They’re outstanding students in the classroom and tremendous players with an abundance of potential. I have also had the opportunity to get to know each of their families and I have been incredibly impressed.

“I have no doubt each of them will fit in well to our program and continue to grow both on and off the court. We’re thrilled that they are a part of our upcoming class.”