Virginia Tech Hokies
Coach Seth Greenberg looks to build upon last season's NCAA tournament visit after losing the majority of that team. WF Deron Washington returns to lead the Hokies for this upcoming season. This will be a transition year in Blacksburg, but VT should again be a tough opponent in the league.
Key Losses: There are big holes to fill, as leading scorer and first team All-ACC member Zabian Dowdell, and fellow starters PG Jamon Gordon and C Coleman Collins, have departed. These three were the backbone of the team over the last two seasons. Additionally, PG Nigel Munson left school, and coveted big man Gus Gilchrist was released from his scholarship obligations (52% of scoring, 41% of rebounding, 64% of assists).
New Additions: Four scholarship freshmen join the Hokies this season, three of whom figure to have major roles on the team. PG Malcolm Delaney, F Jeff Allen, and G Hank Thorns will be asked to provide initial scoring and help to Washington. F J.T. Thompson will also add help inside after gaining eligibility late.
Projected Lineup:
- PG- Hank Thorns (5'9", Fr.)
- SG- Deron Washington (6'7", Sr.)
- SF- A.D. Vassallo (6'6", Jr.)
- PF- Jeff Allen (6'7", Fr.)
- C- Cheick Diakite (6'9", Jr.)
Key Reserves:
- PG/SG- Malcolm Delaney (6'2", Fr.)
- PF- Lewis Witcher (6'9", So.)
- SF/PF- J.T. Thompson (6'6", Fr.)
- SF- Terrell Bell (6'6", Fr.)
Outlook: This figures to be a totally different year for the Hokies. Gone are the three main cogs in their successes, but they will still have scorers on the wing in Washington and Vassallo. Having freshmen man the point for the majority of the minutes usually does not lead to much success in the ACC, especially as tough and balanced as the league is this year. The key will be the leadership the two upperclassmen can provide, and how well Diakite can play inside, as there is not much depth behind him. Having 5 freshmen in the top 9 of the rotation will be difficult, but hopefully the non-conference schedule, which is not exactly a killer, along with the practice and games already completed as a trip to Canada, will have them prepared for the league.
Schedule wise, the Great Alaska shootout is the highlight, and a second round match up with Michigan or Butler awaits, which will tell a lot about the Hokies early.
Prediction: 5-11 Finish, T-9 in ACC; 15-14 Overall.
