ACC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

The Hokies were one of a few teams that had the same starting lineup in each game last season. But three of them are gone, including starting point guard Storm Murphy, sharpshooting guard  Nahiem Alleyne and forward Keve Aluma. The big loss is Aluma, who led the team with 15.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg.

The good news for Virginia Tech is that the team’s other starting forward is back in Justyn Mutts. He flew a bit under the radar next to Aluma but Mutts not only was he also a double-digit scorer but the versatile frontcourt player also led the Hokies in both rebounding (7.4 rpg) and assists (3.4 apg). He’s also an outstanding defender and can guard just about any position from 1-5.

To replace Aluma in the frontcourt are a pair of mid-major transfers in Grant Basile and Mylyjael Poteat. Basile is a quality offensive player, averaging 18.4 ppg and 8.5 rpg at Wright State. But he’s also a defensive liability and probably has to play at the five-spot at the ACC level. Poteat is a 6’9 and 260-pound big from Rice that is a productive player when on the court and should get 10-15 minutes for the Hokies.

The backcourt has the chance to be lethal from deep in Hunter Catoor and Sean Pedulla. Both are quality three-point shooters and Pedulla is a ball-handler and likely starting point guard. And  Darius Maddox is a national breakout candidate after producing 6.5 ppg in 17 mpg. Not only can he step into Alleyne’s spot in the lineup but become an even better overall scorer.

If Memphis transfer John Camden can have a role in the offense, as well as freshmen guards, Rodney Rice and Darren Buchanan, Jr., the Hokies should have plenty of depth to work with this upcoming season. And even if there are questions in the backcourt, having Mutts and his passing ability around helps mitigate that.