The Virginia Tech Hokies are keeping close tabs on one of the most intriguing names in the NCAA transfer portal—Lafayette’s standout freshman Alex Chaikin. After a breakout season in the Patriot League, the 6-foot-5 guard has garnered interest from a slew of Division I programs, with Virginia Tech emerging as a serious contender for his services.
Chaikin’s list of suitors reads like a who’s who of college basketball: Tennessee, Indiana, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, VCU, Florida Atlantic, and others have all reached out. However, Virginia Tech holds a unique advantage that no other school can offer—proximity to home. A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Chaikin would be just a few hours from family and friends if he were to don the maroon and orange in Blacksburg.
In his lone season with Lafayette, Chaikin delivered an eye-popping performance that turned heads nationwide. He averaged nearly 14 points per game while posting some of the most efficient shooting splits in the country: 49.8% from the field and an astonishing 47.9% from three-point range, ranking second nationally in three-point percentage. He tallied six 20-point performances during the season, proving his consistency and ability to light it up from deep.
Virginia Tech, meanwhile, is undergoing a significant roster and leadership transition. The Hokies have already lost nine players this offseason, signaling a full-scale rebuild. To counter the departures, Tech has been busy behind the scenes—hiring Nelson Hernandez as general manager and bringing in two high-impact transfers, Amani Hansberry and Izaiah Pasha. They’ve also added Chester Frazier, formerly of West Virginia, to the coaching staff, reinforcing the team’s commitment to reshaping the program.
The big question is how Chaikin would fit into this evolving lineup. Could he step in as a starting shooting guard, potentially filling the void left by Jaden Schutt? Or will he serve as a key piece off the bench, offering elite shooting and spacing?
While the Hokies might not boast the same tournament pedigree as some of the other programs courting Chaikin, the appeal of playing close to home and being part of a program on the rise could be enough to sway his decision. For now, all eyes are on the rising sharpshooter as Virginia Tech looks to add yet another piece to its rebuilding puzzle.