Virginia Tech’s basketball program is set to benefit from the return of Amani Hansberry, the Maryland‑born forward who opted to stay with the Hokies rather than test his mettle elsewhere.
Strategic Retention Amid Injury Concerns
Coach Mike Young announced the retention after a season in which Hansberry posted 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, numbers that placed him 40th among returning players in The Field of 68’s May rankings.
His contributions are especially vital as the team copes with the absence of Tobi Lawal and Tyler Johnson, both sidelined by injury, and as the Hokies prepare for a double‑header against Virginia and a matchup with Duke that will be avoided in the regular season.
The upcoming schedule features two contests against the University of Virginia, a rivalry that will test Hansberry’s health after he missed the ACC Tournament first‑round game due to a prior injury.
Sports Illustrated analyst Kevin Sweeney placed Hansberry in the “10 more to watch” category, noting his defensive versatility and offensive flashes, including a season‑high 22 points against a strong ACC/SEC Challenge opponent in December.
Alongside Hansberry, guard Ben Hammond and forward Tyler Johnson remain key returnees, while new additions Neoklis Avdalas and Christian Gurdak arrive via the Transfer Portal, bolstering depth for the 2026‑27 campaign.
The Hokies will also face a tough slate that includes games against Wake Forest in North Carolina and other traditional powerhouses, but the absence of a regular‑season matchup with Duke offers a slight reprieve.
With a blend of experienced returnees and promising transfers, Virginia Tech aims to translate its strengthened roster into competitive performances across the ACC, hoping to climb the conference standings and secure a favorable seed for the NCAA tournament.