Virginia Tech Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Hokies
Key Reserves
Depth shouldn’t be a problem for the Hokies, nor should offense with sophomore guard Tyrece Radford leading the charge. He led the squad in rebounds per game with 6.2 and is their top returning scorer (10.2 ppg) despite standing at just 6-foot-1 in stature. He’s an electric and athletic guard that can get to the rim in a hurry and make plays at the rim. He’ll see a ton of minutes in a Sixth Man role for the Hokies.
Hunter Cattoor
Cattoor was probably the most utilized reserve in 2019-20 for the Hokies, averaging 20.3 minutes per contest. He shot 40.2 percent from behind the arc while shooting roughly four 3-pointers per game and averaged 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. When the offense stalls, look for Cattoor to be one cure.
Jalen Cone
Much like Cattoor, Cone is another volume 3-point shooter that should be a lot much better creating off the dribble in 2020-21. He led the squad in 3-point field goal percentage (45.7 percent) while averaging 8.0 points per contest as a freshman. Look for his production and role to grow at the backup point guard spot.
John Ojiako
Ojiako was used sparingly in 2019-20 as a freshman, clocking 10.4 minutes per contest in 2019-20. He put up 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds through 31 appearances and given he got some experience under his belt, look for him to grow in the rotation as one of the first big men off the bench.
Joe Bamisile
Bamisile is one of two newcomers on the wing that should turn heads with his ability to create on the wing. He’s a strong, versatile guard at 6-foot-4 that can get downhill and make plays in traffic. He’s also quite the passer with his vision and awareness on the floor.
Darius Maddox
Maddox joins the ranks after getting used to the national scene at Oak Hill Academy in 2019-20. It should have prepared him well for the up-and-down style of the ACC which is geared similarly to Mike Young’s perimeter offense. He’s another versatile option on the wing that will play multiple spots on the floor.
David N’Guessan
N’Guessan is a name that grew on the national scene this past season at Mount Zion Prep where he produced 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per contest. He’s a wiry forward that can battle inside and out and should give the Hokies a solid frontcourt option off the bench.
Cordell Pemsl
Pemsl is a grad transfer from the Iowa Hawkeyes that put up 2.8 points, 43.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 2019-20. At worst, he provides another body in the post for them to utilize off the bench.