Virginia Tech Basketball Is Good, But Can Still Get Better

24 Comments

1. 

   Rodant Kapoor December 16, 2022 at 3:39 PM

   Rice looks like he should have been in one of the Pirates movies.
2. 

   Mikeb December 15, 2022 at 3:22 PM

   With Pedula's numbers (17ppg; 3-1 assist- TO ratio; shooting %) and VASTLY improved defense I think he is playing at an all ACC level. Can he keep it up?
3. 

   tallahasseehokie December 14, 2022 at 7:51 PM

   And...next season we will play our own seven foot post man, Patrick Wessler. Patrick is getting some good scrimmage lessons from Poteat, Kidd and Basile this season. Patrick improved significantly when he transferred to the Combine Academy for his Jr. and Sr. seasons in Charlotte. His Senior year honors are in the attached Hokie Sports Bio. He is a top 150 national player rated by 247 sports. https://hokiesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/patrick-wessler/12595
   1. 

      HokieHoopzThe2nd December 16, 2022 at 4:42 AM

      Big Pat is multiple years away. And since we can return all of Basile, Poteat, and Kidd, I doubt Pat sees much time next year.
4. 

   GO_HOKIES_GO December 14, 2022 at 7:40 PM

   The interest in the quality of the opposition is it provides context for W/L record. Beating a lot of bad teams early may provide the illusion of a quality basketball team, but being successful against other teams with winning records is much a much better indicator. The Quad factor goes into seeding because VT beat good teams (hopefully) which therefore improves the resume which results in more favorable NCAA tourney matchups in March.
5. 

   wwhokie1 December 14, 2022 at 6:22 PM

   I can certainly relate. About two weeks into the season, when I start to get a feel for the players, I always look ahead to who is coming back next season. I am writing out possible starting lineups and what needs we have for new recruits. Then the rest of the season I am paying attention to the players who need to develop to play the needed roles the following year.
6. 

   hokies7778 December 14, 2022 at 5:54 PM

   The Oklahoma State game was one Tech would not have won last year due to the physicality, especially in the low post. Poteet was the difference maker with his size and strength. His free throws under pressure were impressive.
7. 

   DW Hokie December 14, 2022 at 4:53 PM

   I imagine that are many TSL readers who enjoy reading about all the possible permutations regarding which basketball wins qualify as Quad 1 vs. Quad 2 etc. etc. I don't. I find the whole discussion tedious and a waste of space this early in the season. We have no idea which VT opponents will play their way into a higher rating or play their way down to a lower rating over the next couple of months. The Hokies can control only their own preparation, development and then execution on game day, and they're who I like to focus on and read about. The Quad 1 chips will land where they may. I really enjoy CC's insights into the MBB team, and I respect his knowledge of all the jockeying and the many possibilities for post-season rankings. But until we get to the final week or two of the season, I'll continue to just pass over any sections of articles that deal with Quad 1 suppositions.
   1. 

      DW Hokie December 14, 2022 at 4:53 PM

      ... there are many ...
   2. 

      NMB Hokie December 14, 2022 at 5:17 PM

      +1
   3. 

      wwhokie1 December 14, 2022 at 6:16 PM

      I don't get into the quad 1 vs whatever wins either, especialy this time of year. I skim through those parts. But that is the great thing about TSL, they have enough articles and information available to cover the interests of many different people. It doesn't have to all cater to me; I can go to the next article or message board. Lots of good stuff on here, but I don't feel obligate to want to read it all. There is still plenty to keep me coming back and checking things out. And what I don't like, I'm sure many do like.
      1. 

         tallahasseehokie December 14, 2022 at 8:24 PM

         yep, I know enough about basketball to form my own conclusions of how we are progressing. Modern efficiency metrics and quadrant rankings are great if that is your thing...it's not mine. Bottom line is a group of guys are going to meet in a formerly smoke filled room and decide who is worthy. Statistics will give them the excuses they need to put who they want into the tournament. Playing solid ball all year long and finishing top 5 in ACC takes them out of the game.
   4. 

      willgowin December 14, 2022 at 8:51 PM

      Relax DW Hokie. Chris is just writing an article on the possibilities of Quad wins early in the season. No more than that. Start reading articles in late February if you consider it a "waste of space". It might work better for you. For heaven's sake we are winning and 10-1. Not busting your chops, but posting something here somewhat negative does not help Hokie Nation, if you are a Hokie.
      1. 

         tallahasseehokie December 14, 2022 at 11:10 PM

         It's an opinion and everyone has one. This is a discussion site...makes the hits go up and rings the money bell. As long as a poster is within the terms of service what's the issue?
8. 

   Will Stewart December 14, 2022 at 3:58 PM

   Good article. I'm a guy who is always looking ahead, and with the improved play of Poteat and Kidd, I'm not worried about next year when Mutts and probably Basile depart. Will Poteat and Kidd be as good as that pair? That's a lot to put on them, but I think they'll be darn good. VT is developing players, particularly post players, better under Mike Young than they have in the past.
   1. 

      wwhokie1 December 14, 2022 at 6:20 PM

      I can certainly relate. About two weeks into the season, when I start to get a feel for the players, I always look ahead to who is coming back next season. I am writing out possible starting lineups and what needs we have for new recruits. Then the rest of the season I am paying attention to the players who need to develop to play the needed roles the following year.
   2. 

      HokieHoopzThe2nd December 16, 2022 at 4:46 AM

      Will, in the era of NIL, any player who is not a lock to make it in the NBA is no guarantee to be leaving college, IMO. We could very well only lose Mutts from this roster (wishful thinking in the portal era).
9. 

   TC December 14, 2022 at 3:57 PM

   In the category of "haven't peaked yet...", just wait until Darius Maddox gets back to where he was at the offensively at end of last season. So far he has been quiet with some cold shooting nights, but the last few games, particularly in the second half, he has stepped it up. It will be great when he hits his stride as we come into the ACC schedule.
   1. 

      MYNAMEISHOKIE December 14, 2022 at 4:19 PM

      Especially combined with the fact that it looks like he's improved on D and definitely seems to be more "gritty" than last year in that he's gone to the floor for loose balls a number of times and is just playing more physically on D than he was before. Get his offense back up to the level we know it can be and it's going to be an awesome combination.
10. 

    SCHokie1103 December 14, 2022 at 2:27 PM

    Rice is a top level talent so I’m sure he expects a lot out of himself and is getting after it to not have anyone including himself have to temper their expectations. So I don’t agree with that way of thinking at all. If he is playing 5 on 5 basketball the only way he is going to get better and in basketball shape is to play. Let him get after it Coach. I know you know what your doing.
    1. 

       NMB Hokie December 14, 2022 at 5:14 PM

       starting with short periods of playing time. He should not be tossed into the mix and expected be be productive right away. He needs to get his feet wet first and his playing time cannot be disruptive to the flow we have going.
    2. 

       tallahasseehokie December 14, 2022 at 7:38 PM

       He will be playing quarterback of a top 20 basketball program. Mike will have him on a short leash. He’s an excellent shooter but he will be highly focused on setting the flow and beating the presses we are about to face. His available highlights on youtube show advanced passing skills and good court vision.
11. 

    Dublin Hokie December 14, 2022 at 1:19 PM

    Winning early and improvement yet to come? I like!
12. 

    `lag December 14, 2022 at 1:13 PM

    Mike Young told us what kind he would like to have a couple years ago and was even blunt about saying he didn't have it at the time, In particular he likes having a couple bigs. Well, now he has the team he wants so we'll get to see full Mike Young basketball. Nice spread too of experienced upperclassmen, guys who have made the jump like - especially at guard - like Pedulla and even the next generation who can be red-shirted or brought along slowly like Rice. Even the "projects" seem to be blooming a bit. fingers crossed. This will be a better team in a month which is exciting.