Virginia Tech Basketball: Breaking down the 2019 recruiting class

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts to a play against the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

Branden Johnson – Center

One thing the Virginia Tech rotation lacked for the 2019-20 season is size but Mike Young has done well to fill the void with this year’s class. Branden Johnson is a 6-foot-8, 205-pound center that played a role off the bench for the Alabama State Hornets during the 2018-19, putting up 4.3 and 3.7 rebounds in 31 appearances, mostly off the bench for his squad.

Johnson isn’t an All-Star type player but he’s a player that fills a need in the thin frontcourt for the Hokies. With no Kerry Blackshear Jr., Ahmed Hill and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the rotation, the Hokies will lose a bulk of their production from 2018-19, including their best rebounders.

If Johnson wants a lot of time, he’ll have to own the paint and the boards on both ends. He’s got four years under his belt at a Division 1 program so that at least counts for something. The ACC is a big step up from the SWAC though.

Johnson’s ability to rebound and protect the rim will be the biggest measuring stick on how much of an impact he will make. If he can stay on the floor and out of foul trouble, he should be a solid contributor in the lineup.

Home/Virginia Tech Hokies