The transfer portal giveth, and the transfer portal taketh away. On Wednesday afternoon, it took Tyrece Radford away from Virginia Tech. A Virginia Tech spokesman confirmed multiple internet reports that Radford has entered the portal.
Radford, a redshirt sophomore, started 47 of his 50 career games at Virginia Tech over the last two seasons, averaging 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds. He is one of the Hokies’ best players, and his loss creates a void that will be difficult to replace with such a short time between now and the start of the fall semester.
Sophomore guard Hunter Cattoor is the most likely player to fill Radford’s starting position, with freshman guard Darius Maddox in line for more playing time as well. Both players would be an improvement from a shooting perspective, but Radford is also arguably the best rebounding guard in the country and Tech’s best player when it comes to putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket.
Mike Young signed guard Sean Pedulla as part of the 2021 recruiting class, but he is expected to play the point guard position. To find a replacement for Radford on the roster, Young will have to mine the transfer portal between now and August.