College Basketball: Under the Radar Impact Recruiting Classes
Virginia Tech Hokies
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
- SF – Chris Clarke (#53 ESPN 100)
- PF – Kerry Blackshear Jr. (#112 Rivals 150)
- PG – Justin Robinson (#107 Rivals 150)
- G/F – Ty Outlaw (#13 JC 247Sports)
- C – Johnny Hamilton
When Buzz Williams bolted Marquette and the rebuilding Big East conference for a job at the bottom of the loaded ACC, it was a decision to bet on himself. While many coaches would have shied away from the prospect of having to rebuild a program from the depths of college basketball’s newest super-conference, Williams saw an opportunity to establish himself among the nation’s elite.
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After a rough first season with players that he didn’t have the luxury of recruiting, Williams has brought in an impressive crop of talent to begin his reclamation project in Blacksburg. The centerpiece is Chris Clarke, a versatile forward that will be a key player from day one.
Kerry Blackshear should also find himself in the starting lineup from the onset. The Hokies will return nothing that even resembles a frontcourt presence, meaning Blackshear will be depended on heavily. This also means that there won’t be much of a honeymoon period for seven-foot junior college transfer Johnny Hamilton. He’ll be asked to contribute big minutes (if not be a starter) as well.
Justin Robinson will have to fight through a quagmire of returning guards to see significant action, but he projects as the long term answer at the point position, so that may vault him to the front of the line. The quicker he can join Blackshear and Clarke in the starting lineup will be for the better. The future of the Hokies hinges on the development of that trio.
An important piece of the team’s quest for immediate respectability is Ty Outlaw, a highly ranked junior college transfer who may or may not be committed to the program. At the moment, there are conflicting reports regarding his status, but it looks like he is either heading to Virginia Tech or heading there eventually. Outlaw is a talented wing who plays a similar game to Clarke. Considering the Hokies dearth of talent, a small ball lineup with Clarke and Outlaw at the forward positions (and Blackshear in the middle) could be the best way for the team to be competitive this early in the process.
Regardless of the early returns, “Buzzketball” is on its way to Blacksburg slowly but surely. This class of talent is an indication that Williams can recruit at the level necessary for Virginia Tech to compete for NCAA Tournament bids in the future.