Virginia signee Derrick Byars, an outstanding senior swingman from Ridgeway High School in Memphis, Tennessee, has a challenge for his future teammates –- he wants to play some intense defense for the Cavaliers.

Byars, who led his team to the 2A state championship this past weekend, is one of the more intense players rivalshoops.com watched this past summer. Byars likes to shadow a defender all across the court. He enjoys the defensive obstacles sliding around and sometimes through picks. “I love playing defense,” Byars said. “I think I can help out there (Virginia) with my defense and intensity. It’s fun to play defense.”

Byars knows all about the problems Virginia suffered through, especially the last two months of the season. But Derrick feels the Cavaliers will be in the NCAA tournament next year. “There are a lot of great players coming back,” Byars said. “And the freshmen that were there this year will be better next year. I am looking forward to playing with those great players.”

Byars averaged 22 points and nine rebounds per game this past season. “I am going to do what coach (Pete) Gillen wants,” Byars said. “If he wants me to run through the wall to get to a loose ball, I won’t ask. I will just do. I want to be a leader on and off the court. This is what I worked on this season with my team.”

Byars is excited about the possibility about playing in a high-flying offensive set but ready to help improve the attitude on defense. "I am going to do whatever it takes to help out," Byars said. "I want to be part of a winning program. We got the players that can win. We just have to focus on playing both ends."