Virginia Tech Basketball: Hokies land 4-star combo forward Ryan Jones
Virginia Tech Basketball gets its second commitment in the 2024 recruiting class, landing four-star forward, Ryan Jones. What does he add to the Hokies?
The frontcourt has been an area of strength for Virginia Tech Basketball for the past couple of years. Last season alone, Grant Basile and Justyn Mutts were one of the top duos in the ACC. Both are gone, with the team having Northwestern transfer Robbie Beran and Lynn Kidd or Mekhi Long starting inside.
But two of them moving on after this season no matter what, the Hokies need to add some future depth via the 2024 class in the frontcourt. And they had a target in mind in Ryan Jones, a 6’8 forward from Gainesville, Florida. However, they had to deal with the hometown Florida Gators in a head-to-head recruiting battle for his services. In the end, the prospect made his decision.
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It’s a big win for Virginia Tech to beat out an SEC program for a local target. Landing a top-100 prospect with the potential of contributing right away is what Coach Mike Young needed to stay viable as a program. Jones has a versatile offensive game, capable of stretch defenses with a capable three-point shot, while also able to score inside.
He could play at the five-spot, though might be somewhat undersized at 6’8. But his body and physical style of play could give him a chance. Virginia Tech can experiment anyways since both positions inside look to be up for grabs in the future.
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Jones is the second commitment in the Hokies’ 2024 class, joining three-star wing commit, Tyler Johnson. The ACC program needs a big class overall, so don’t expect them to be done recruiting for the next few months. Look for the backcourt to get the main focus now, since Hunter Cattoor will be gone after this season.