Virginia Tech men’s basketball is quietly building something solid through the transfer portal, and Mike Young is piecing together a revamped roster with veteran experience and versatile talent. The latest addition to the mix? UNLV graduate transfer Jailen Bedford, a 6-foot-4 wing who brings toughness, experience, and scoring potential to Blacksburg.
Bedford is the fourth portal pickup for the Hokies in recent weeks, joining a flurry of offseason activity aimed at retooling the squad after several player departures. Earlier this month, Virginia Tech secured commitments from West Virginia transfer Amani Hansberry and Delaware’s Izaiah Pasha. Then, over the weekend, the Hokies added some international flair with the commitment of German forward Antonio Dorn, known for his presence in the paint. Now, with Bedford coming aboard, the perimeter is getting a boost.
Last season at UNLV, Bedford started eight games and averaged 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game—solid production for a player who spent much of the season coming off the bench. While his shooting percentage sat at 38%, his ability to drive to the rim, rebound effectively, and guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for a program looking to elevate.
Bedford’s journey has taken him from the JUCO level to Oral Roberts, and most recently UNLV. That path has shaped him into a well-rounded, battle-tested player—exactly the kind of presence the Hokies need as they look to push deeper into ACC contention next season. With several younger players on the roster, Bedford’s veteran leadership and competitive edge should add fuel to Virginia Tech’s locker room dynamic.
Head coach Mike Young now has a promising mix of returners and newcomers to work with. Players like Jaden Schutt, Tyler Johnson, and Ben Hammond are back in the fold, joined by freshmen Christian Gurdak and Sincere Jones. The team also awaits word on whether Tobi Lawal, currently testing NBA Draft waters, will return. If so, he’d bring even more firepower.
As it stands, Young still has four open scholarship spots, and it’s clear he’s not done making moves. But with the addition of Bedford, the Hokies take another confident step toward fielding a competitive, battle-hardened squad for the upcoming season.