As excitement builds for football season, it’s easy to forget that college basketball is just four months away — and for Virginia Tech fans, there’s good reason to look forward to the upcoming campaign.
After facing multiple challenges last season, including struggles in recruitment and player retention due to limited resources, head coach Mike Young received a much-needed boost this offseason. The biggest move came with the return of Chester Frazier as the Hokies’ top assistant coach. Frazier previously worked alongside Young during his first two seasons in Blacksburg before leaving to join Illinois, his alma mater. After three years with the Fighting Illini and a stint as the lead assistant at West Virginia last season, Frazier returned to Virginia Tech following the unexpected exit of WVU head coach Darian DeVries.
Once the coaching staff was solidified, the Hokies shifted their focus to rebuilding the roster. Several players entered the transfer portal at the end of the season, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for Young. He prioritized retaining key contributors and succeeded in keeping Tobi Lawal, Jaden Schutt, Ben Hammond, and Tyler Johnson — a solid foundation to build upon.
From there, the Hokies went to work in the transfer market. The first big addition was Amani Hansberry, a talented forward who transferred from West Virginia and followed Frazier to Virginia Tech. The team also landed guards Jailen Bedford from UNLV and Izaiah Pasha from Delaware, bringing experience and depth to the backcourt.
Perhaps the most exciting news for Hokies fans came in the form of a dynamic freshman class. Among the five incoming recruits, Greek standout Neoklis “Neo” Avdalas stands out as the crown jewel. Viewed as a legitimate NBA prospect, Avdalas could be one of the most impactful recruits in program history. Virginia Tech is hopeful that he’ll become a game-changer from the moment he steps on the court.
Adding to the buzz, the Hokies revealed their jersey numbers for the 2025–26 season earlier this week. All eyes were on Avdalas, who will wear No. 17 when he makes his debut in maroon and orange.
With a revitalized coaching staff and a reshaped roster, the upcoming season looks promising for Virginia Tech basketball.