ACC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season

Mar 9, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) controls the ball in front of Duke Blue Devils guard Tyrese Proctor (5) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

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14. Virginia Tech Hokies

One of the more surprising developments in the ACC this offseason was how much talent the Hokies lost. Several seniors had to leave, but the transfer departures of Sean Pedulla and Lynn Kidd were big blows to the roster. The top five scorers are gone, with backup big man Mylyjeal Poteat (6.4 ppg and 3.5 rpg) being the best-returning piece.

Joining Poteat in the frontcourt are a couple of transfers. Ben Burnham is a 6’7 forward from Charleston, averaging 12 ppg on 37% shooting from deep. Toiibu Lawal is a 6’8 forward from VCU who produced 7.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg and is one of the better athletes and defenders joining the league.

The big name for VT is Hysier Miller, who led Temple with 15.9 ppg and 4.0 apg. The 6’1 guard only shot 35% from the field, but besides being a solid defender, the hope is that he’ll be surrounded by better talent to become more efficient. Duke transfer Jaden Schutt missed last season but is another former top-100 prospect who could break out in a larger tole.

Coach Mike Young has a good track record in creating good offensive units, but this roster doesn’t have the same kind of pure scoring and overall shooting. Unless this team becomes really good on defense, the Hokies will struggle in the season.

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