Virginia Tech Basketball Predictions And Season Outlook

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As the college basketball season approaches, fans of the Virginia Tech Hokies are eagerly anticipating another exciting year of hoops. With a talented roster and a proven coaching staff, the Hokies are looking to make some noise in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In this article, we'll break down the Virginia Tech basketball predictions and season outlook, including the team's strengths, weaknesses, and key players to watch.

Reasons for Optimism

There are several reasons why Virginia Tech fans should be optimistic about the upcoming season. Here are a few:

• Returning Talent: The Hokies return several key players from last year's team, including guards Wabissa Bede and Hunter Cattoor, as well as forwards P.J. Horne and Keve Aluma. This experienced core will provide a solid foundation for the team.
• New Additions: Virginia Tech has also brought in some talented newcomers, including freshman guard Joe Bamisile and junior college transfer Cartier Diarra. These additions will add depth and athleticism to the roster.
• Improved Defense: The Hokies have traditionally been known for their strong defense, and this year's team should be no exception. With a mix of experienced veterans and athletic newcomers, Virginia Tech should be able to shut down opponents and create turnovers.

Areas for Concern

While there are certainly reasons to be optimistic, there are also some areas for concern:

• Scoring Punch: The Hokies struggled to score consistently last season, and it's unclear whether they've addressed this issue. While they have some talented guards, they lack a true scoring threat in the post.
• Rebounding: Virginia Tech was one of the worst rebounding teams in the ACC last season, and this could be a major concern again this year. The Hokies need to find a way to crash the boards and limit opponents' second-chance opportunities.
• Depth: While the Hokies have a solid starting lineup, their bench is still a question mark. They need to develop some reliable reserve players to spell the starters and provide a spark off the bench.

Key Players to Watch

Here are some key players to watch for the Virginia Tech Hokies this season:

• Wabissa Bede: The senior guard is the team's top returning scorer and playmaker. He's a true leader on the court and will be counted on to make big shots and create for his teammates.
• Hunter Cattoor: The sophomore guard had a breakout freshman season and should be even better this year. He's a deadly three-point shooter and can also score in the paint.
• P.J. Horne: The junior forward is the team's top returning rebounder and should be a key factor on the glass this season. He's also a capable scorer and can stretch the defense with his three-point range.
• Keve Aluma: The junior forward is a physical presence in the paint and should be a major factor on the glass and in the paint. He's also a capable scorer and can create his own shot.

Schedule Analysis

The Hokies have a challenging schedule ahead of them, with games against several top-tier opponents. Here are a few key matchups to watch:

• November 5: vs. Syracuse: The Hokies open their season against the Orange, who are always a tough opponent. This will be a great test for Virginia Tech's defense and rebounding.
• December 7: at Duke: The Hokies travel to Durham to take on the Blue Devils, who are one of the top teams in the country. This will be a major challenge for Virginia Tech's offense, which will need to be at its best to keep up with Duke's high-powered attack.
• January 4: vs. North Carolina: The Hokies host the Tar Heels in a key ACC matchup. This will be a great test for Virginia Tech's defense, which will need to slow down North Carolina's high-powered offense.

Prediction

Based on the team's strengths and weaknesses, here's our prediction for the Virginia Tech Hokies this season:

• Record: 20-12 overall, 10-8 in the ACC
• Postseason: NCAA Tournament appearance, likely as a 7-10 seed
• Conference Finish: 6th in the ACC standings

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Conclusion

The Virginia Tech Hokies have a talented roster and a challenging schedule ahead of them. While there are certainly areas for concern, the team's strengths and experience should carry them to a successful season. With a strong defense and a balanced offense, the Hokies should be able to compete with anyone in the ACC. If they can address their rebounding and scoring concerns, they could be a major player in the conference.

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