Virginia Tech basketball: 17-18 season preview for the Hokies
Reserves
Nickeil Alexander-Walker– Alexander-Walker is a five-star recruit who should see extended minutes as the sixth man. The 6’5’’ wing is a smooth scorer and a high-level perimeter shooter. Expect Alexander-Walker to play around 20 minutes per game and score 7-8 ppg this season, but he will break into the starting lineup as soon as his sophomore season.
Devin Wilson– Wilson stepped away from the basketball team to play football but has returned to the hardwood for his senior season. Wilson has played a major role as a glue guy and a defender throughout his career but should see a reduced role with the influx of perimeter talented. Having a player with Wilson’s experience coming off the bench will be extremely valuable even in a smaller role.
Wabissa Bede– Bede is the second highest rated recruit to join Virginia Tech as part of the 2017 class. The 6’1’’ freshman will be the backup PG, but his shooting ability will allow him to play alongside Robinson as well. Expect Bede to play 10-12 minutes per game while being groomed as the heir to the starting PG position.
PJ Horne– Horne is an unheralded freshman who will see immediate minutes in the thin Virginia Tech frontcourt. He fits the mold of a Buzz Williams’ undersized PF like Lazar Hayward, Jae Crowder, and Deonte Burton with his thick frame and aggressiveness. Expect the 6’5’’ PF to play around 10 mpg behind Chris Clarke.
Pig Jackson– Jackson redshirted last year, but will likely play sparingly in a crowded backcourt.
Khadim Sy/ Nick Fullard– Khadim Sy would have been a quality piece in the frontcourt rotation, but he opted to transfer to JUCO in the preseason. Supposedly, he is trying to return to Virginia Tech, but it is unclear if/when he would be eligible. There is a chance that he could play in the second semester so it worth listing him here, but it is much more likely that we have to wait until 18-19 to see him. Fullard is a 6’10’’ former walk-on who is now thrust into the backup center role. Anything that Fullard can contribute will be a nice bonus for the Hokies.