AshburnFarmHokie

The close games deal (which I don't disagree with you) is a combination of factors beyond just a person losing confidence. Things like who is on the floor at the end, defense being played, etc. Just my opinion.

of happy football memories. I still can't believe it. The sun is shining, the coffee tastes better and I'm smiling ear to ear...

When all the analysis and predictions are done, I'm just going to hope, wish and dream that some time when I head up the steps to bed next March, I'll get a chance to experience this feeling one more time :)

It's been a few years since I wrote this, but I'm reposting it for all those who weren't around during Frank's tenure. And to once again say thanks for everything he's done...

I was very impressed...

A front line of Sampson, Solomon and Robinson would have been rather imposing...

Wasn't he also in the same recruiting class as Gordy Bryan? I vaguely remember some "experts" expecting Gordy would be even better than Dale, but that was a long time ago...

Dale was listed as 6-8 220 pounds when he played for the Hokies. Ryan is listed as 6-8 225. And I'd say both listings were on the light side :)

What makes him a top 70 recruit versus, say a top 150? Obviously he's a big man, but usually coaches (like yourself) see something beyond size in rating a player that high. Curious your thoughts...

the guy who asked the question :)

But had to tip my hat to GCHokie, Rev and CvilleHoops13, as I've lurked on this board half a dozen times in the last week or two to try to understand whats going on with the basketball program. All three are excellent with no BS info and opinions, and to be able to get that kind of substance on a free board is kind of rare these days. Appreciate all you guys and should I ever have the privilege of meeting any of you, the first TWO rounds are on me...

I've only been following the Hokies for 51 years and was a sportswriter for media in the area during the timeframe you say he lacks an understanding of. It's exactly as I remember it too... ** Edited by AshburnFarmHokie at 9/5/2022, 9:24:14 AM

caught a 13-yard TD pass to bring Toronto within 3. Hamilton up 17-14 midway through the third period in Ontario...

We were the ones that were always asked go sit in the corner and not say anything while the cool kids ran the party. But after winning the ACC Title, we showed we belonged. I personally think the team was mentally and physically exhausted from putting 4 highly improbable games in a row together and it showed against Texas. But we're still the ACC Champs and the ACC Tournament trophy is sitting in Blacksburg...

"If Everybody Likes You, You're Probably Not Doing Your Job"

Was just saying to my wife that in 2019 - only three years ago - the Nats had won the World Series, Washington's Pro Football team was still the Redskins and semi-competitive, and the Caps were coming off winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. Now the first two are pretty dreadful, and if it weren't for Ovi, the Caps would be heading in the same direction. Only teams I have to look forward to as it stands now are Hokie football and basketball...

Tim Hogan and I called Tech baseball games on campus station WUVT back in 1977 and 1978. There's Hogan in the middle of a crowd, cheering like a madman, while I'm sitting at home, watching the game with a sledgehammer in my hand. Paul Simon was right: We're Still Crazy after all these years :)

If you're in or around Blacksburg, you can come watch the baseball team any time you want. But for all of who live well outside the area - particularly us older alumni - watching Hokie sports has usually involved football and basketball, and we just end up reading about the scores of all the other sports. For me, the spring means watching baseball, and in my case that means the Washington Nationals. From 2005 until July 31 of last season, they were required watching before they broke up the team. As a result, this spring I found myself checking in on Virginia Tech via the ACCNX after discovering I could watch all their games. The quality of play surprised me, and there was this intangible I noticed where when they got behind, that didn't mean it was over. I must have seen a half a dozen or more games where they were down in late innings, then came back to win with a late home run or spectacular play. It was a marked difference from my local major league team. It soon got to the point the Hokies replaced the Nationals as my primary baseball outlet (I have multiple TVs going on at the same time so the Nats got dropped down to TV No.2 or No. 3) and the same thing was happening with some of my friends. All of a sudden we're all watching Hokie games, texting back and forth to each other, and treating baseball games the same way we treat football games when we're not there. That's not something I ever expected to see happen. And as we all know with sports addictions, once you get hooked, it takes a long time or a really, really bad coach over multiple seasons to kill it. None of this happens unless the team had a special bunch of players (and technology allowed us to watch every game) who put forth an effort on the field that you couldn't help but appreciate. So yeah, I'm disappointed they lost today. But this team very quietly has made a lot of converts to the baseball program out beyond the borders of Blacksburg. Which is something that is going to pay dividends well down the road. And on a personal note, I can remember a few of my old classmates back in the 1970s saying one day when we get old, we're going to move back to Blacksburg and be those old timers in the bleachers watching and talking to each other about Tech baseball. This year we were, only we were at our homes texting each other all across the Southeast. All thanks to a special group of players and coaches, who made it a heck of a lot of fun. For that, coaches and players, I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you.

Although that's obviously going to be a huge factor. But this team is having an influx of 4 new high school recruits and three transfers, which is a lot of new players. Many teams struggle getting that much new talent into their culture and system, and having a player who has been there with an incredible work ethic, high IQ in basketball and the classroom, and a strong knowledge of what Mike Young wants is going to be a big asset. Reminds me of when Max Scherzer joined the Nationals. He was a great pitcher, but it was his example on the days he didn't pitch that showed young guys how you go from good to great. I perceive Justyn as being that type of person too....

At least that's my memory from watching all 3 play in the mid 1970s. And while I can't remember yesterday, I allegedly have an amazing recall of insignificant sports trivia from 45 to 50 years ago :)

There was a pic in the newspaper of Ryan and Bryce holding those oven mitts up to each other and Harper allegedly saying he felt like they needed to go somewhere and bake something...

...and we've had great players come to Blacksburg before. But I can't really remember a time we've signed/added/however you want to say it as many really good players at one time as we have now. There are seven new players on the roster for this fall and they all can play. At times, I find myself thinking it's too good to be true. But it's real....

But better to temper my expectations now and then possibly be pleasantly surprised then expecting big things from day 1 and wondering what happened...

But better to temper my expectations now and then possibly be pleasantly surprised then expecting big things from day 1 and wondering what happened...

Do you believe he just needs time to adjust to the college game, or do you not see him as a contributor ever?

Do you believe he just needs time to adjust to the college game, or do you not see him as a contributor ever?

I agree that him saying "3 degrees in 5 years, keep that in my back pocket though. I’m tryna go to the league right now. God willing" does mean he's moving on with his life. But can we just take a second to appreciate the "3 degrees in 5 years" part?

When I look back at my own life, one of the toughest parts was a 3-year stretch where I earned an MBA while working at the same time. Damn near drove me crazy because every waking moment was taken for studies or work. So to think this young man earned THREE degrees in 5 years while going to class and playing college basketball is absolutely incredible. I just can't imagine the stress and long hours of work that took.

Justyn seems to be one of those special human beings who can do anything he wants if he puts his mind to it. Whether it be playing in the NBA or being president of a major corporation. Nothing he will do in the future will surprise me.

It'll be fun to watch, too...

I agree that him saying "3 degrees in 5 years, keep that in my back pocket though. I’m tryna go to the league right now. God willing" does mean he's moving on with his life. But can we just take a second to appreciate the "3 degrees in 5 years" part?

When I look back at my own life, one of the toughest parts was a 3-year stretch where I earned an MBA while working at the same time. Damn near drove me crazy because every waking moment was taken for studies or work. So to think this young man earned THREE degrees in 5 years while going to class and playing college basketball is absolutely incredible. I just can't imagine the stress and long hours of work that took.

Justyn seems to be one of those special human beings who can do anything he wants if he puts his mind to it. Whether it be playing in the NBA or being president of a major corporation. Nothing he will do in the future will surprise me.

It'll be fun to watch, too...

every day now that Rev. Zeke is back posting.

First Bill Roth, now Zeke. Welcome back young man. Always appreciate your wisdom...

every day now that Rev. Zeke is back posting.

First Bill Roth, now Zeke. Welcome back young man. Always appreciate your wisdom...

But I remember Charlie Moir thinking Gordy was going to be the best of the group. As we've all learned over the years, sometimes highly rated high school players don't translate to the college game. Gordy was one of them...

But I remember Charlie Moir thinking Gordy was going to be the best of the group. As we've all learned over the years, sometimes highly rated high school players don't translate to the college game. Gordy was one of them...

Always thought the Camden/Ward situation was an either/or deal just as you described. Also thought with such young talent, defense at first may be wanting and the Hokies really could use another big guy to protect the rim. Having Wessler and Reid would answer that need. Getting Reid and Basile in addition to Camden would be incredible.

Am now trying to remember the last time so much talent came into the program in one incoming class. I know back in the late 70s when they signed Dale Solomon, Gordy Bryan, et. al, there was a lot of excitement. But that pales in comparison to this Fab 5 - and growing - group of freshman who will hit the floor this fall....

Always thought the Camden/Ward situation was an either/or deal just as you described. Also thought with such young talent, defense at first may be wanting and the Hokies really could use another big guy to protect the rim. Having Wessler and Reid would answer that need. Getting Reid and Basile in addition to Camden would be incredible.

Am now trying to remember the last time so much talent came into the program in one incoming class. I know back in the late 70s when they signed Dale Solomon, Gordy Bryan, et. al, there was a lot of excitement. But that pales in comparison to this Fab 5 - and growing - group of freshman who will hit the floor this fall....