Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball is once again gearing up for a pivotal offseason as Coach Mike Young and his staff aggressively dive into the transfer portal for the second consecutive year. After a season marked by significant player movement, this year’s portal looks set to be equally eventful for the Hokies. Last season, Virginia Tech saw a mass exodus of players, with several transferring to other programs. Notably, former Hokies Rodney Rice and Sean Pedulla have made their mark in the NCAA Tournament, with Rice now playing for Maryland in the Sweet 16 against Florida, and Pedulla representing Ole Miss as they face off with Michigan State.
As the transfer portal frenzy continues, Virginia Tech has already seen five players from this year’s roster enter their names. Wings Rodney Brown, Jr. and Jaydon Young, along with centers Patrick Wessler and Ryan Jones, plus point guard Brandon Rechsteiner, have all decided to explore their options elsewhere. With these departures, the Hokies now find themselves with multiple vacant roster spots to fill ahead of the new season. While incoming freshmen Christian Gurdak and Sin’Cere Jones are set to join the team, there’s still a need for more experienced talent, particularly in key areas.
This is where Coach Mike Young’s quick action in the transfer portal becomes critical. One name that is already making waves in Hokies’ circles is Jacari White, a standout guard from North Dakota State. White, who averaged 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 39.8% from beyond the arc this past season, is reportedly planning to visit Blacksburg soon. This is a huge opportunity for Virginia Tech, as White would be an immediate asset to the team, addressing a glaring need for scoring and outside shooting.
With the Hokies looking to bolster their roster, especially in shooting and offensive firepower, White’s addition could be a game-changer. Coach Young is reportedly working with a larger NIL budget this offseason, which could play a significant role in attracting top-tier transfers like White. If the visit goes well, there’s a strong chance that White could become a priority recruit for Virginia Tech, helping to solidify their chances for success next season. As the transfer portal heats up, the Hokies’ pursuit of top talent remains aggressive and filled with potential.