After a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and a 21-12(10-8) season. Virginia Tech is looking to make a 3rd straight NCAA tournament appearance and another 20 win season.
Returning Players:
Five of the top six leading scorers last year return for another season including senior All-ACC G Justin Robinson, sophomore G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, junior F Kerry Blackshear, senior G Ahmed Hill, and senior F Chris Clarke. The Hokies also get senior F Ty Outlaw back after a torn ACL that did not allow him to play last year. G Wassiba Bede and F P.J. Horne also return for their sophomore seasons.
Incoming Recruits:
Former four star recruit Landers Nolley leads a very strong freshman class that contains former three star recruit Jon Kabongo, and former three star Isaiah Wilkins. Nolley will look to play the most out of all three of the freshman this year.
Key Games:
November 27 @ Penn State- The Hokies again have a week non conference schedule. The Hokies need every non-conference win vs a D1 team they can get.
January 15 @ Virginia – Last year the Hokies upset the Cavaliers in a 61-60 OT win in Charlottesville. The Hokies have a shot of getting a high ACC standing this year. If the Hokies want to establish that they are a top tier ACC team this year another win in Charlottesville should prove that.
Jan 21 @ North Carolina- Last year the Hokies upset the Tar Heels 80-69 in Blacksburg. The game this year will be in Chapel Hill. The Hokies have a chance to be better than the Tar Heels this year. If Virginia Tech can’t beat UVA or Duke this game is a must win for Virginia Tech.
Projected Season: This should at least be a third straight 20 win season for the Hokies. I think the Hokies will end up being a 4th seed in the ACC and a 3-4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
