The Men's Team
I want to take a moment to say something about this team.
They are the f#&$ing ACC Tournament Champions. I had thought that we'd have a short run in Brooklyn and then would be left standing at the altar on Selection Sunday, then go on a tear and clean house in the NIT.
THIS WAS SO MUCH BETTER.
Disappointing ending in Milwaukee, included, this team won the ACC by curb-stomping the two bluest-bloods east of the Appalachian Mountains in something that nobody* saw coming February 1. This team will be remembered for its Brooklyn heights and not for its Milwaukee funks.
*Mike Young saw it.
Scoring
In this incredible run, the Hokies were once again paced by Aluma in scoring at 18 ppg. Joining him in double figures was Cattoor (12.5). Pedulla/Murphy (9 ppg), Maddox/Mutts (8.75 ppg), and Alleyne (6.5 ppg) rounded out the major scorers. N'Guessan also chipped in with 2.25.
Rounding out the season Aluma finished on top, averaging 15.75 per four game window, joined by Mutts (10.06) in double figures. Cattoor (9.75), Alleyne (9.61), Murphy (7.94), Maddox (6.39), Pedulla (5.19), N'Guessan (3.61), and Ojiako (1.28) rounded out the top 9 scorers on the team.
Rebounding
Aluma led all Hokies in rebounding this frame as well with 5.5 rpg. He was followed by Mutts (5.25), Maddox (4), Cattoor (2.75), Murphy (2.5), and Alleyne (2.25). Just missing out on 1 board per half were N'Guessan and Pedulla at 1.75 each. Also, missing out on 1 per game were Ojiako (0.75) and Kidd (0.5)
For the season, Mutts led all with 7.25, followed by Aluma (6.5), Cattoor (4), Alleyne (2.81), and N'Guessan (2.53). Missing out on 1 per half were Maddox (1.86), Pedulla (1.17), and Ojiako (1.08).
Assists
Murphy finished with the most assists at 17 (barely beating Mutts' 16), and they were joined by Aluma's 13 in double figures. Aluma had the slightly better ATO at 13:6, over Murphy's 17:8.
Experience/Depth
My eyes are playing tricks on me, aren't they?
Nope.
12 Hokies saw playing time in the post season.
Barely topping the list was Cattoor at 31.75 mpg, followed closely by Aluma at 31. Also averaging a majority of the games were Mutts (29.75), Alleyne (29), Murphy (26.25), and Maddox (24.25). Also getting significant minutes were Pedulla (14.25) and N'Guessan (9.25).
On the season, Cattoor also led the Hokies with 32.67 mpg, with Alleyne (31.19) and Aluma (30.97) surpassing the 30 minute mark; joined by Mutts (29.72) and Murphy (26.78) in getting at least a half per game played; followed by Maddox (17), N'Guessan (13.22), Pedulla (12.92) and Ojiako (3.69) in getting at least a minute per team game played.
Next Four
Leading the next four is 4* combo guard Rodney Rice, out of DeMatha Catholic. At 6-4 185, he can hopefully possess the slasher-type guard play that we've been needing, while maintaining the good outside shooting and perimeter defense required by a CMYBall team.
Next we see 3* combo guard MJ Collins, out of Rock Hill, SC. Similar in build to Rice, I hope he can provide solid depth at the wing. While being able to have higher output nights, just to keep everybody on their toes.
Up next, and way up, I might add, is 7-footer Patrick Wessler from North Carolina. He's not the most highly rated (#31 center in the country), but you can't coach height. We haven't had a ton of luck with that rarified air, but maybe we'll get lucky.
Rounding out the next four, we see recently added and not yet rated SF Darren Buchanan from DC. I know nothing about him except he played in DC, which should be enough to let you know he's got at least some skills.
Sidenote: There is still rumored possibilities of CMY making a final push towards borderline 5* SF Tyrell Ward, also out of DeMatha, who has signed with Xavier, but his coach is no longer with the program. I would love to see the kind of damage that Ward, Rice, and Maddox could do with Pedulla running the point and Wessler down low.
Prediction
Until I see otherwise, I expect Ward to remain with Xavier. I also expect to lose some players to transfer or retirement. We know Murphy played his last game in Milwaukee. Rumors are flying that Young is going to try to get Aluma and Mutts aboard for another ride.
Knowing the numbers always work out, attrition is going to happen. We have 14 slated for next year, with a limit of 13. Somebody has to be the odd man out. If we get Ward, it will have to be two odd men out. Looking just at the stats and numbers, I have in mind a few who I think could fit that bill, but in the interests of not alienating anyone, I won't mention them here.
The Women's Team
God I wish I had more to write.
They went 0-1 to end the year.
I really don't have anything to say, there's only one box score.
Sheppard, you had one hell of a career. Lytle, we appreciate you coming aboard to help us out; we could not have made it as far in the ACC tournament without you.
I know nothing about the national landscape of High School girls' basketball, butI see that the Hokies have commitments from Carleigh Wenzel a 5'11 guard and Maddie Vejsicky, a 6' forward.
The Hokies will likely be returning ACC MVP Elizabeth Kitley for her senior season.
Comments
According to espn top 100 girls bball recruits. Wenzel is the 44th best recruit in the country
Winning the ACC Tournament should up the level of interest in the types of players looking our way in the Transfer Portal. Definitely looking on with interest to see who we can snag.
Would LOVE to steal Ward from Xavier but I could see him staying commited, especially if they rehire Chris Mack or Sean Miller
This will sound bad, but I'd be okay if Mutts walks. Overall such a great VT guy and energetic, however lots of red flags to me in his overall play. Aluma, on the other hand, I wouldn't be mad if he makes a surprising return to cement his draft stock. Pedulla will run the offense next year, Cattoor hopefully only gets better, Maddox should progress a little bit, and looking forward to Rodney Rice and a 7 footer coming in. Don't know much about the rest of the bench this year to say anything. Nguessan has shown some positives too. Should be an interesting off season. Throw in a stacked portal post guy ready to add to the mix immediately, and hopefully another decent year in store. Great season guys, I was so bummed about today, but it is what it is.
Mutts to me is a lot like the hoops version of Dax. Not the best player at his position, but he's one hell of a Hokie and in the end brings more positives than negatives.
In spite of the suboptimal early tournament exit, in a game that seemed lost not too long into the 2nd half, this season was a major success. From where we were in January to taking home the ACC tournament championship trophy and hanging a banner is a huge accomplishment. I feel like the basketball program is in great shape.
If you would give me another ACC tourney win in exchange for losing first round of the NCAAs for the next 10 years I'd make that trade in a heart beat.
There's talk (on the free side) from Chris Coleman at TSL and Chris Arvin at 247 that both Mutts and Aluma are open to the idea of coming back. This doesn't mean they are, but the talk was this is now a real possibility both are considering whereas a couple of months ago both were done. It would depend on NIL deals, what their pro options are and other considerations to weigh but it sounds like things have gone from long shot to within the realm of possibility that at least one or maybe both guys come back
This team could really make a run next season if both Mutts and Aluma return, neither of which will be drafted IMO.
Some things they could both work on to improve their game and help the team out in the offseason:
Aluma: Get physical. He's a finesse player and while he's been great, some physicality would keep him from getting completely taken out of the game (at times) when we face solid post play.
Mutts: Work on those handles. I cringe every single time he puts the ball on the floor. Figure out how to handle the ball down low when you need to back down your defender. Additionally, if he can get to a place where he can break someone down off the dribble he will be a very difficult matchup.
Mutts needs the big sunglasses with tape on the bottom so he can't see the ball and walk around dribbling 2 balls for the next 6 months haha.