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Virginia Tech Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24 season

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 20, 2022; Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Mike Young is bathed in orange as a team video plays on a big screen prior to a game against the Charleston Cougars at TD Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2022; Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Mike Young is bathed in orange as a team video plays on a big screen prior to a game against the Charleston Cougars at TD Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward/Wing

Starter – Rodney Rice (25 mpg)

Rodney Rice returns for the Hokies looking to have a healthier campaign on the wing. Rice appeared in just eight games across 2022-23 but he finished the season down the stretch, finishing the team’s final seven games of the schedule. Rice averaged 7.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg on 33.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line.

In his best outing, Rice put up 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep to go along with three rebounds and a steal in the ACC Tournament this past March against NC State. He’ll look to pick up where he left off as a starter in the rotation heading into 2023-24. Look for him to be a breakout candidate.

Bench – Mekhi Long (9 mpg), Tyler Nickel (6 mpg)

Coming off injury, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Rice play limited minutes and move Long to the small forward spot. Long has shown he can operate on the perimeter and make things happen. He shot 35.9 percent from deep this past season, a career-high while knocking down a career-best 28 3-pointers on the year. He’s certainly developed his game as a versatile forward.

Tyler Nickel (UNC) is another new face out of the transfer portal that should earn some playing time in the rotation this season. He’s an athletic forward prospect at 6-foot-7 who can operate inside and out with his ability to run rim-to-rim and shoot the ball.

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