NCAA Basketball: 10 biggest winners and losers from 2021 NBA Draft decisions

10. Winner – Virginia Tech Hokies

Arguably the biggest breakout player last season was Keve Aluma, who went from a bench role player at Wofford to a star at Virginia Tech. He led the team with 15.2 ppg and 7.9 rpg and was First-Team All-ACC and had the team not suffered multiple covid pauses, has a case at being Conference Player of the Year. The 6’9 forward elevated the Hokies beyond the bottom of the ACC and many expectations and became a legit NBA prospect.

His decision to come back gives Virginia Tech NCAA Tournament aspirations once again, along with having a real threat in the frontcourt. With Tyrece Radford’s recent departure, the Hokies will rely on Aluma even more next season but with plenty of good guard talent remaining along with another Wofford transfer in point guard Storm Murphy joining, this team once again can finish in the top four of the ACC.

10. Loser – Syracuse Orange

There’s something about that power-forward spot that causes players to leave early for Syracuse. This time it was Alan Griffin, a former Illinois wing that averaged 13.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg, including a number of 20+ point efforts. He ended up being a “one and done” for the Orange, going pro soon after the season. Matters were only made worse when Quincy Guerrier and Kadary Richmond both left as well.

Because these absences came early in the offseason, Syracuse was able to land Cole Swider, who averaged 5.2 ppg in three years at Villanova. If he can break out, the team will be in solid shape for next season. Otherwise, all of the pressure will be on freshman forward Benny Williams to have a major impact in the frontcourt.