What's going on in Blacksburg with the Virginia Tech Hokies?! The Virginia Cavaliers aren't the only team with an early storyline with Tony Bennett's retirement announcement. David Cunningham of TechSideline recently reported that Hysier Miller, a recent addition for the Hokies out of the transfer portal, is no longer with the Virginia Tech basketball program.
It serves as a huge blow to the potential offensive outlook for the Hokies and head coach Mike Young. Miller was due to serve as a primary option in the rotation after a breakout season in the Temple Owls lineup in 2023-24.
Statement from #Hokies men's basketball: Hysier Miller, a point guard transfer from Temple, is no longer with the program. pic.twitter.com/brr4O5g70d
— David Cunningham (@therealdcunna) October 23, 2024
The 6-foot-1 guard looked well on his way to a bright future in the ACC after building his resume in the AAC. He produced a career-high 15.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while knocking down 2.1 3-pointers per contest with the Owls in 2023-24.
Now, amid a gambling inquiry made last year, Miller is gone just like that. It was reported by Pat Forde and Sports Illustrated back in March that a matchup between UAB-Temple was flagged by gambling watchdog company, U.S. Integrity.
In an era of NIL and daily sports gambling, it seems as though Miller has been caught up on the wrong side of a scandal. The betting line moved in an odd manner, according to sources, causing the game to be flagged.
With less than two weeks to the start of the season, Miller's departure leaves the Hokies with just two point guards heading into the year: 6-foot-1 sophomore Brandon Rechsteiner and 5-foo-11 freshman Ben Hammond.
The move marks the second time a player from the Virginia Tech program has left just weeks before the season. Last year, Rodney Rice departed for the transfer portal before the season after learning his role would be coming off the bench.
Rechsteiner made 26 appearances, including two starts, while producing 1.8 points and 1.3 assists per game in 2023-24. He'll be looked upon to take a big leap in his sophomore year with Miller's departure.
Look for Hammond to be thrown into the fire rather early this season under Coach Young's system. He may be good for it though as he joins Virginia Tech from nationally-heralded Paul VI, the alma mater of former Hokies guard Erick Green.
Look for another player from the transfer portal to step their game up as well. Ben Burnham (Charleston) and Toibu Lawal (VCU) are two names with much to prove as they join the ACC ranks. Burnham can handle the ball and make things happen on the perimeter, so look for him to operate at the lead guard spot as well in the Hokie's perimeter-oriented offense.
Jaden Schutt, formerly of Duke, is also a name to keep a close eye on as he recovers from knee surgery while exercising a redshirt year in 2023-24.
Expectations for the Hokies weren't the highest heading into 2024-25. But with the recent news of the loss of a potential top scoring and playmaker, things are seemingly getting a lot bleaker in Blacksburg as another season is around the corner.