There is no denying the void that has been left by the departed senior class of 2008. It will feel very strange for all Hoya fans to hear the starting line-ups announced on November 19 at Verizon Center and not hear Jonathan Wallace’s name. But this is the reality of college basketball, and while it is sad and difficult at times to move on, there is also a great opportunity for new players to accept the responsibility of making up for what the departed players left behind.

There will be more shots available for DaJuan Summers and Austin Freeman, there will be more minutes for Chris Wright to make an impact, and there will be a clear chance for Greg Monroe to be one of the marquis freshmen in the conference, maybe in the country. But there is no player who has a bigger chance to seize the moment than Jessie Sapp.

Jessie Sapp is this season’s only scholarship Senior (Walk-on Bryon Jansen is also a senior). The reality of this year marking the end of his college career will definitely heighten his focus and intensity. Sapp had an excellent season last year, but in many ways he was protected and supported by the guidance and experience of the four seniors from a year ago. Now, as the obvious leader of the team, Sapp will no longer be in the shadows.

Next week, we’ll take a look at a couple of players who had great careers through their first three seasons and then elevated their games to even greater heights during their senior seasons. Both of the players in question were the only seniors on the team during that time, just like Sapp will be this year. After we look back on those two remarkable senior leaders, we’ll look ahead to what the challenges and opportunities will be for Jessie Sapp as he tries to follow in the footsteps of Reggie Williams and Kevin Braswell.