A Season of Transition for the Hokies
Virginia Tech entered the 2023‑24 campaign with a 19‑13 record the year before, but the departure of key contributors such as Tobi Lawal and Neoklis Avdalas left a noticeable gap. The program has since bolstered its roster with a mix of proven returnees and promising newcomers, setting the stage for a potential resurgence.
Head coach Mike Young, who previously enjoyed success at Wofford and came close to toppling Kentucky in 2019, returns to the ACC with a renewed focus. His tenure at Virginia Tech has been marked by COVID‑19 disruptions and the evolving landscape of college‑basketball free agency, challenges that have tested his ability to establish consistency.
The Hokies' returning core includes Amani Hansberry, who averaged 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, and Ben Hammond, who contributed 13.2 points and 13 steals. Guards Ethan Copeland and Jaylen Curry provide additional scoring and playmaking, while Tyler Johnson and Sin’Cere Jones add depth after a redshirt season.
Fresh talent arrives in the form of Kuol Atak, Musa Sagnia and Miles Heide, each bringing size and defensive versatility. Guards Jaylen Curry and Ethan Copeland are expected to shoulder a larger offensive load, and newcomers Eltayeb Eltayeb and James Caldarella could see increased minutes as the team experiments with lineups.
Virginia Tech's ACC schedule presents a gauntlet of road tests, including matchups at Clemson, Louisville, North Carolina, and Syracuse, as well as home contests against California, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Stanford, and Wake Forest. The Hokies avoid a direct clash with Duke but still face a tough home‑and‑home series with Virginia and Boston College.
If the team clicks, analysts project a win total in the mid‑20s, which could translate into one or two victories in the ACC Tournament. Such a performance would not only boost morale but also reinforce confidence in Coach Young’s long‑term vision for the program.
Beyond the win column, the Hokies' homecourt advantage at Cassell Coliseum remains a factor, yet the program continues to grapple with limited NIL resources and a historical emphasis on football. The balance between athletic ambition and institutional priorities will likely shape the trajectory of the season.