Virginia Tech Basketball Gets Boost with Key Returnees Amidst Transfer Portal Activity
Virginia Tech basketball is facing an important offseason, with pivotal moves shaping the future of the program. After some uncertainty surrounding player decisions, the Hokies received some major good news on Thursday, as two key freshmen confirmed their return for the 2024-25 season.
First, point guard Ben Hammond, who showed promise in the second half of his freshman year, announced he would be staying in Blacksburg. His strong performance towards the end of the season highlighted his potential as a valuable contributor moving forward. This is a significant boost for the Hokies, who were in need of stability in their backcourt as they continue to rebuild under head coach Mike Young.
In addition to Hammond’s return, freshman forward Tyler Johnson also made his commitment to stay with the Hokies. Johnson, who averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in his rookie season, had a solid year as a starter, often playing key minutes. His career-high 14-point performance against Georgia Tech in January showed the potential he has to contribute on both ends of the floor. With Johnson’s return, the Hokies have retained another key piece of their core for the upcoming season.
While the return of these two players is a major positive, the Hokies’ offseason is far from over. The transfer portal continues to be a significant factor, and Virginia Tech will need to carefully navigate it to ensure they maintain and enhance their roster. With the 2024-25 season approaching, the decisions made now will have a long-lasting impact on the team’s trajectory. For the Hokies, keeping players like Hammond and Johnson in the fold is crucial as they build for the future.