Virginia Tech Basketball: Patriot League Standout Transfer Draws Hokies’ Attention

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.

Panthers’ Free Agency Defensive Upgrades Open Doors for Strategic Moves in Upcoming NFL Draft

After finishing the 2024 season with the NFL’s worst defense, the Carolina Panthers entered the offseason with a clear mission: overhaul the defense. And that’s exactly what general manager Dan Morgan did — in emphatic fashion.

Morgan wasted no time in free agency, spending nearly $250 million to reinforce a faltering defense. The Panthers added defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, linebackers Pat Jones II and Christian Rozeboom, and safety Tre’Von Moehrig. Additionally, they retained key contributors Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson in the secondary. These bold moves not only upgrade the team’s defensive core but also grant Morgan increased flexibility heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Holding the No. 8 overall pick, the Panthers are now free to pivot from solely defensive needs and consider premium offensive weapons. Wide receivers like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Texas’ Matthew Golden could be in play, as well as top tight end prospect Colston Loveland from Michigan — addressing a position Carolina has long struggled to fill.

Still, defense may remain the focus. Carolina allowed a staggering 31.4 points and 179.8 rushing yards per game last season. They also ranked near the bottom of the league with just 32 sacks. That makes Georgia’s edge rusher Jalon Walker a compelling option, offering immediate help to the pass rush. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) and cornerback Jahdae Barron (Texas) are also names to watch on the Panthers’ draft board.

Morgan, overseeing his second draft, emphasized the need to dominate the trenches. The team previously invested in guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and re-signed center Austin Corbett to solidify the offensive line. Now, Morgan hopes to mirror that success on the defensive line. “You have to win the line of scrimmage,” he stated. “We’re building this defense to be tougher, more physical — and it starts up front.”

With multiple picks on Day 2 and three fifth-round selections, Carolina is well-positioned to maneuver up the draft board. A few smart trades could give them more bites at the apple in the second and third rounds.

While quarterback and running back are off the table — with Bryce Young showing signs of growth and veteran Andy Dalton re-signed — the team’s draft strategy will likely focus on edge rushers, cornerbacks, linebackers, and potentially a game-changing pass catcher. With a fortified defense and a young offense in development, the Panthers are quietly building a foundation for long-term success.

Virginia Tech Targets Major Talent as 2025 Four-Star Forward Braydon Hawthorne Plans Visit

The recruiting trail is heating up in Blacksburg as Virginia Tech prepares to welcome one of the nation’s top high school basketball prospects. On Friday, four-star small forward Braydon Hawthorne will make an official visit to the Hokies — a development that could have major implications for the program’s future under head coach Mike Young.

Hawthorne, a versatile 6-foot-8 standout, is widely regarded as West Virginia’s top-ranked high school player by both ESPN and 247 Sports. Nationally, he sits at No. 81 in ESPN’s Top 100 and No. 71 on 247 Sports’ composite rankings. Among small forwards, he’s ranked No. 16 by 247 Sports and No. 23 by ESPN, underscoring his value as a premier talent in the 2025 class.

What makes this visit especially intriguing is Hawthorne’s prior commitment to West Virginia, a pledge he backed out of after a wave of coaching changes hit the Mountaineers’ program. Among those departures was assistant coach Chester Frazier, who played a pivotal role in Hawthorne’s recruitment. Frazier has since rejoined Virginia Tech’s coaching staff, setting the stage for a possible reunion in Blacksburg.

Frazier’s return isn’t the only connection drawing Hawthorne to Virginia Tech. Power forward Amani Hansberry, who led West Virginia in rebounding last season, also transferred to the Hokies after Frazier’s exit from Morgantown. The parallels between Hansberry’s and Hawthorne’s situations are striking — both impacted by the same coaching shake-up, both now linked to the rebuilding efforts at Virginia Tech.

Despite the Hokies’ strong ties to Hawthorne, they face stiff competition. The elite forward is being courted by a host of powerhouse programs, including Kentucky — where he visited earlier this week — as well as Indiana, Michigan, and Marquette, all of which made NCAA Tournament appearances this past season.

Still, Virginia Tech stands out as the only ACC program outside of in-state rival Virginia making a serious push for Hawthorne. If the Hokies land the coveted recruit, it would mark their biggest high school acquisition since Landers Nolley in 2018, according to 247 Sports.

With Hawthorne’s visit set for Friday, the Hokies have a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression and potentially secure a game-changing addition to their 2025 recruiting class.

Big Moves & Big Wins: Virginia Tech’s Basketball GM News, ETSU Beatdown, and Football Recruiting Buzz

Virginia Tech is making waves across multiple sports this week, with major headlines in basketball, baseball, and football recruiting that have fans buzzing.

Basketball Staff Gets a Boost

Hokies men’s basketball coach Mike Young continues to retool his program this offseason—not just with player transfers, but with strategic staff additions. The latest move? Virginia Tech has hired Nelson Hernandez, who previously served as the director of player personnel and recruiting at West Virginia. Hernandez played a key role in building the Mountaineers into a 19-win squad last season, including a solid 10-10 record in the competitive Big 12.

This move further strengthens the growing Morgantown-to-Blacksburg pipeline. Young already landed former WVU assistant Chester Frazier and forward Amani Hansberry via the portal. With Hernandez on board, the Hokies are doubling down on experienced recruiting and player development talent, setting themselves up for long-term success.

Baseball Dominates ETSU in Midweek Tune-Up

After a disappointing weekend sweep at home against Florida State, the Virginia Tech baseball team bounced back in a big way with a decisive 11-4 road win over East Tennessee State on Tuesday night. The Hokies now sit at 24-13 heading into a crucial home series against North Carolina.

The offense came alive, led by home runs from Henry Cooke and Ben Watson. Watson also tallied two RBIs, alongside clutch performances from Ethan Gibson, Hudson Lutterman, and Nick Locutro—each driving in two runs. With the ACC schedule heating up, this was the kind of confidence-boosting win the Hokies needed.

Football Recruiting Heating Up—In-State Star Intrigued

Virginia Tech football head coach Brent Pry is gaining momentum on the recruiting trail. Over the weekend, the Hokies secured two Class of 2026 commitments—kicker Will Love and linebacker Joshua Pittman. But the buzz continues with in-state defensive lineman JaySean Richardson, who came away impressed after a recent visit to Blacksburg.

Richardson, a highly-rated recruit from Richmond, told 247Sports that he appreciated how defensive line coach J.C. Siefkes plans to use him in the Hokies’ system. With an official visit scheduled for June 20, and a prior trip to Virginia lined up earlier that month, the battle for Richardson’s commitment may come down to a classic in-state showdown between the Hokies and Cavaliers.

Exciting times are ahead in Hokie Nation.

Proposed Power Play: Vikings Land Star Cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Shocking Deal

Blockbuster Trade Pitch: Vikings Eye Jalen Ramsey in Bold Deal with Dolphins

Could a seismic shift be coming to the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary? The NFL world is buzzing after reports surfaced that the Miami Dolphins and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey have mutually agreed to explore trade options. With the 2025 NFL Draft just days away, speculation is heating up—and the Vikings are suddenly in the spotlight.

Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, may be entering his age-31 season, but he’s far from washed. In 2024, he held opposing quarterbacks to an 83.2 passer rating, notched 11 pass breakups, and earned the No. 10 cornerback grade from Pro Football Focus. Though he missed the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie year, his presence and production remain elite.

The Vikings have done some work on their cornerback room—re-signing Byron Murphy and adding Isaiah Rodgers in free agency—but there are still depth concerns. A player like Ramsey would instantly elevate the defense and add championship-level swagger.

While Ramsey never overlapped with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores during Flores’ head coaching stint in Miami, there’s familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell from their shared time with the Rams in 2021. That past connection could help make a transition smoother should the Vikings pull the trigger.

Of course, any deal for Ramsey comes with financial implications. He’s currently on a three-year, $72.3 million contract with $21.1 million guaranteed for 2025. That’s a hefty price tag, but with his high-impact potential, the cost could be worth it for a team looking to contend.

Trade rumors have already sparked potential scenarios. Dustin Baker of Vikings Territory proposed a deal sending Ramsey and a 2026 sixth-rounder to Minnesota in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (97th overall). Bleacher Report floated a similar offer—minus the extra late-round pick.

While the Vikings only have four picks in this year’s draft, a player like Ramsey might justify parting with one, especially if Minnesota trades back in Round 1 to recoup picks.

Trade Grades:

  • Baker’s Proposal: B+

  • Bleacher Report’s Proposal: B+

With Ramsey on the block and the draft looming, the next few days could get wild in Minnesota. If the Vikings want to make a splash and shore up their defense, this is the kind of deal that could change everything.

Arizona Diamondbacks Crack the Top 10 Most Entertaining MLB Teams This Season

Just three weeks into the MLB season, the National League West is already living up to the hype—and the Arizona Diamondbacks are right in the thick of it. Though currently sitting fourth in the division at 9-7, behind the Padres, Giants, and Dodgers, Arizona has earned a spot in the national spotlight for an entirely different reason: they’re flat-out fun to watch.

According to ESPN MLB writer David Schoenfield, the Diamondbacks rank No. 10 in his latest list of the most entertaining teams to watch in 2025. The ranking is based on a 40-point system evaluating elements like star power, young talent, defense, and the quirks that make baseball uniquely thrilling.

Arizona’s breakdown on the fun scale:

  • Star Power: 8

  • Young Talent: 2

  • Baserunning: 4

  • Defense: 3

  • Minutiae (the little things): 3

  • Bonus Points (3):

    • +1 for Zac Gallen’s retro goggles

    • +1 for Corbin Carroll’s electric exit velocities

    • +1 for constant praise of Ketel Marte as “underrated”

While Arizona might not be leading the division, they’ve still got plenty going for them. Corbin Carroll, though not replicating his 54-steal rookie season, remains a dynamic threat. Ketel Marte is quietly one of the league’s most consistent stars. And pitcher Corbin Burnes adds instant credibility to the rotation. Don’t forget Josh Naylor, who’s surprisingly ahead of Carroll in stolen bases so far, 4 to 1.

Zac Gallen continues to impress with his pitch control and flair, while Justin Martinez is lighting up the radar gun out of the bullpen. Despite a rocky start for the rotation (currently with a 5.00 ERA, ranking 28th in MLB), the team is showing signs of improvement after a recent strong homestand.

Yes, they’ve lost a few “young talent” points as some of their core players transition into veteran roles. But with charisma, grit, and enough highlight-reel moments to keep fans engaged, the Diamondbacks are proving they’re more than just competitive—they’re a whole lot of fun.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual viewer, this team is making it easy to tune in.

Braves Bring Veteran Outfielder Alex Verdugo to Active Roster

The Atlanta Braves made a strategic move to bolster their outfield on Thursday by adding veteran Alex Verdugo to their active roster, just four weeks after signing him as a free agent. In a corresponding move, Bryan De La Cruz was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, paving the way for Verdugo to join the major league squad.

At 28 years old, Verdugo brings a wealth of experience to the Braves’ outfield. Although he wasn’t signed until late in spring training, he quickly got up to speed with a brief stint at Gwinnett, playing nine games where he posted a .207 batting average, a double, two home runs, and four RBIs. While his time in Triple-A wasn’t exactly dazzling, Verdugo’s track record in the big leagues speaks for itself.

Last season with the New York Yankees, he slashed a .233 batting average with a .647 OPS, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 61 RBIs over 149 games. His performance in the postseason was a bit underwhelming, though, as he batted .208 with one home run and eight RBIs in 14 playoff games. Notably, he struck out to end the 2024 World Series, as the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the championship.

Despite those struggles, Verdugo has established himself as a solid major leaguer over his career, boasting a .272 batting average and .742 OPS with 70 home runs and 316 RBIs across 800 career games. He’s played for both the Los Angeles Dodgers (2017-2019) and the Boston Red Sox (2020-2023), in addition to his short time with the Yankees. His combination of power, experience, and versatility will add depth to the Braves’ lineup, providing a much-needed boost as they look to maintain their dominance in the National League.

On the other hand, Bryan De La Cruz has struggled to find his rhythm in Atlanta. The 28-year-old outfielder is batting just .191 in 16 games this season, with only one extra-base hit. Over the course of his career with the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Braves, De La Cruz holds a .251 batting average with 58 home runs and 208 RBIs in 491 games. The Braves are hoping that a stint in Triple-A will help him regain his form.

With Verdugo now on the active roster, the Braves are hoping his veteran presence and consistent bat can make an impact as the season progresses.

Virginia Tech Sets Sights on Southern Illinois Guard Kennard David Jr. in Transfer Portal

The transfer portal is heating up, and one name making waves is Kennard David Jr., a standout guard from Southern Illinois. After an impressive season with the Salukis, David has entered the transfer portal, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after players in this year’s recruiting class. Virginia Tech, in particular, has set its sights on adding David to its roster, and with good reason.

David had a stellar 2023-2024 season, averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 46% from the field. His ability to score from all areas of the court made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he showed his clutch potential in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. In an epic quarterfinals matchup against Indiana State, David erupted for 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading Southern Illinois to a nail-biting 86-85 victory. His all-around game and ability to perform under pressure have garnered significant attention from top programs across the country.

The Hokies are especially interested in David as they look to fill the gap left by Brandon Rechsteiner, who recently entered the portal and committed to Colorado State. Virginia Tech’s backcourt is in need of a player who can provide scoring, leadership, and a steady presence—attributes that David clearly demonstrated throughout his time at Southern Illinois. His versatility and ability to contribute in various facets of the game make him an ideal fit for the Hokies’ system, and Coach Mike Young will likely look to leverage David’s skills in an effort to strengthen Virginia Tech’s lineup for the upcoming season.

However, Virginia Tech isn’t the only program vying for David’s services. Several other schools have also entered the race, and it’s clear that the guard is in high demand. According to David himself, he has recently been in contact with programs like Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Iowa, Arizona State, Miami, and LSU. With such a strong list of suitors, the Hokies will have their work cut out for them in securing David’s commitment.

As the transfer portal continues to shape the future of college basketball, all eyes will be on Kennard David Jr. to see which program he ultimately chooses. For Virginia Tech, landing David would be a significant win as they look to build a competitive backcourt for next season.

Two Former Penn State Players to Announce Picks at NFL Draft—A Dream That Almost Didn’t Happen

As excitement builds for the 2024 NFL Draft in Green Bay next week, Penn State fans can look forward to seeing a handful of their beloved Nittany Lions make their way to the big stage. But this year, there’s more than just the next generation of talent in the spotlight. Two legendary former Penn State players will be back at the NFL Draft, reliving the glory of their own careers by announcing selections in the second and third rounds.

The first is Willie Wood, a name that resonates deeply in both Green Bay and the NFL at large. Drafted in 1963 by the Green Bay Packers, Wood played an astonishing 12 seasons, spending the majority of his career in the iconic green and gold. His resume is nothing short of extraordinary: three NFL Championships, two Super Bowl victories in 1966 and 1967, and 27 interceptions to his name. Wood’s leadership and skill made him a Hall of Fame inductee in 2013, cementing his place as one of the game’s all-time greats. As a proud member of the Packers’ legendary defense, Wood will take the stage once more in Green Bay, where his own NFL journey began, bringing his legacy full circle as he announces picks for the second and third rounds.

Then, there’s Steve Wisniewski, a name synonymous with durability and dominance on the offensive line. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, Wisniewski’s rights were traded to the Oakland Raiders, where he would go on to spend his entire 13-season career. A rock in the trenches, Wisniewski started in all 206 games he played, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors. His presence was felt in every game, protecting quarterbacks and opening holes for running backs with a fierce intensity. Over the years, Wisniewski became an anchor for the Raiders’ line, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on the game. As Wisniewski prepares to announce draft picks in the upcoming draft, fans will get a taste of his unbreakable spirit once again.

The 2024 NFL Draft will surely be a moment of celebration for Penn State fans, but for Wood and Wisniewski, it will also be a powerful reminder of their unforgettable legacies and lasting impact on the sport.

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Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Targets New Standout in Transfer Portal

After a challenging season where Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Mike Young struggled to compete for talent in the transfer portal, things are looking brighter for the Hokies heading into the 2025 offseason. Last month, it was reported that the program would have an enhanced NIL package at its disposal, offering Young more resources to recruit and retain talent.

Following a mass exodus of players last year, Young has done well so far in retaining key players like Ben Hammond, Jaden Schutt, and Tyler Johnson for the upcoming season. In addition to this, the Hokies have added talented transfers Amani Hansberry and Izaiah Pasha to strengthen the roster. On top of that, standout player Tobi Lawal has declared for the NBA Draft while keeping his eligibility intact in case he decides to return for his senior year.

Despite these positive developments, Young isn’t stopping there. He continues to explore the transfer portal, and a new, exciting target has emerged for the Hokies: Kennard David, Jr., a dynamic guard from Southern Illinois.

David has been making waves as one of the top available guards in the portal. This past season for the Salukis, he impressed with his all-around game, averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting an efficient 46% from the field. His performance in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament only bolstered his reputation—David posted 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists in a thrilling 86-85 win over Indiana State, further showcasing his potential.

Throughout the season, David reached double digits in scoring in 29 out of 32 games, making him a consistent and reliable offensive threat. His ability to score from the backcourt would be a major boost to the Hokies, especially after the departure of Brandon Rechsteiner, who entered the portal and committed to Colorado State.

However, the Hokies won’t have an easy time landing David. With several top programs also in pursuit of the talented guard, Virginia Tech will have to put their best foot forward in recruiting him. If they manage to land David, it could be a game-changer for their backcourt as they look to compete at the highest level in the ACC.

Stay tuned as the Hokies continue their efforts to strengthen the roster and build for the future!