Virginia Tech Basketball: Hokies searching for first tournament berth since 2007

Virginia Tech basketball is ready to break through in the ACC in 2016-17.

Three years ago, Buzz Williams was brought to Blacksburg to take the Virginia Tech Hokies out of the two years of misery they suffered through under then-head coach James Johnson. The results did not come quickly, as the Hokies struggled greatly in year one, finishing 11-22 overall and 2-16 in ACC play.

But Williams’ team made an unexpected leap up the standings in 2015-16. Virginia Tech had a record of 20-15 overall, but won 10 games in ACC play and were victorious in six of their final seven games to earn a bid to the NIT.

This upcoming season should be even more rewarding for the Hokies. Expectations have risen, but Virginia Tech is ready to live up to the hype due to their roster complexion, coaching, experience and continuity.

In fact, Williams has been so successful in the early goings of his VT career that it would be almost shocking not to see his team in the Big Dance for the first time since 2007.

They return five of their top six scorers, all five of their top rebounders and their top five assist men. They possess four redshirt seniors, one regular senior and return two key pieces that didn’t play last season, Ty Outlaw and Ahmed Hill.

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Basically, the Hokies will have excellent chemistry and a great understanding of each teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. Williams also has a great grasp of the roster, which will only help him in terms of putting his players in the best position to succeed.

Late last season, Williams moved the team’s second leading scorer, Seth Allen, to the bench in order to open up more opportunities for freshman point guard Justin Robinson. This seemed odd on the surface, but the Hokies found a winning formula and Allen averaged 17.6 points per game in the final nine outings.

Virginia Tech is also fearless and deep. They defeated multiple top-10 programs last season (Miami and Virginia), have players that are confident in their skills and abilities and are capable of using different lineups depending on match-ups.

Zach LeDay, Allen and Justin Bibbs can all score the basketball at will. Chris Clarke is a solid rebounder. Robinson brings poise to the point guard position. Kerry Blackshear Jr. and Devin Wilson can fill in on occasion. And finally, Outlaw and Hill are experienced players, who will be refreshed to find themselves back on the court.

Sure, the ACC is a gauntlet and the Hokies may play different with more of a target on their back, but nobody does a better job of motivating his team than Williams does.

Williams was terrific at Marquette, leading the program to 139 wins and just 69 losses in six seasons. The Golden Eagles never finished under .500 (both overall and in conference play) and made five straight NCAA Tournaments.

That’s exactly why the Hokies brought him to Blacksburg. What better way to bring the program back to its winning ways than to acquire a proven winner?

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Between the man that roams the sidelines and the players that play for him, Virginia Tech is headed towards March’s grand event.

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