Ok, guys. Season is officially over, I know many of us were hoping for more but many of us saw the future in some of the freshmen and the coaching of Buzz. We currently have no openings but most of us expect attrition from current roster. My thoughts on those leaving might be Wilson and maybe even Pierce. Who do you believe will go?
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If I had to put money on someone it would be Adam Smith. He can be a graduate transfer and play immediately somewhere else. Although he was our offensive leader this year he was a liability defensively, although he got better, and his playing time/role decreased at the end of the season. Shane Henry could go too and redshirt a year. He's extremely athletic but is being played out of position and was outplayed by a walk-on this season. Next year his role could diminish even more with the arrival of LeDay and Blackshear.
I would say that Henry will get to actually play his position next year. He was forced into playing a 5 but we have 2 guys coming in who will fill that role better when needed and Henry can actually play the 4 spot. He will have a year to bulk up a little more which will help.
I think the attrition will come from Wilson. I think his playing time will shrink a lot with Seth Allen coming in. He had wayy too many turnovers this season doing dumb things and he was often caught out of position on defense and gave up easy points.
To the OP, I think Pierce stays. He had a rough season most of the time but it was clear he wasn't ready to be an ACC starter this season but the experience he got will be invaluable. If he stays dedicated, I think he will be a good player for us.
Good point re: Smith being immediately eligible. Hmmm
Now wishing I had actually put money on this.
I have #sources that say Johnston AND Beyer will both be gone next year
Way to step out on a limb. :-)
My #sources, one that is a doctor, informed me that Beyer will end up at UNC next year.
He's not going to get any playing time there, makes no sense
I'm not sure if you are kidding. :-) He is going to medical school.
Still kidding, no worries
I'm would guess Smith would be looking to leave. Fifth year player in a backcourt with 7-8 other talented guards and smallest guy on the team.
Wilson could be out, if he and Buzz are at odds.
I don't see anybody else leaving. Or at least I hope no one else leaves.
Are Buzz and Wilson at odds?
Not that I'm aware, but it seemed like he was not playing as effectively towards the end of the season. I don't have the numbers to back it up, but it appeared to me that he was getting fewer minutes as the season progressed, but he still had a relatively low TO/A ratio, which you cannot afford from your PG
A low to/a ratio is ideal!
I meant bad
Wilson had a better assist to turnover ration this year than he did his freshman year.
He played less minutes and scored less but shot much better this year.
His averaged 4.2 assists and 1.9 turnovers. Not awful.
He shot 45% as opposed tho 37% his first year.
The problem there is that he doesn't actually shoot. The vast majority of his points come from layups. If anyone can defend him off the dribble, they don't really have to account for him for the rest of the possession, unless he gets the ball at the top of the key again and starts driving. There was essentially zero threat of him pulling up for a jumper, which makes the defense's job a whole lot easier.
I don't think any underclassmen who played this year will transfer other than MAYBE Devin Wilson. Only reason I say that is because I can definitely see Seth Allen coming in and starting at the point, and we've got so many guards that somebody will feel odd man out.
Smith would be a surprise to me since he just arrived less than three years ago and has been our leading scorer most of the season. He should start at the 2 next season.
Guards who could play the 2/3 positions next season:
Muller
Smith
Bibbs
Hudson
Hill
Chris Clarke
Point guards:
Wilson
Allen
Justin Robinson
Post players:
Pierce
Henry
Kerry Blackshear
Zach LeDay
I think Chris Clarke will more than likely be more of a 3/4 than a 2
He's a perfect fit for the 3, since he's a slasher who can spot up for a jumper but also has good height and length. Ideally he wouldn't be posting up like Muller had to at times this season.
In our offense i think he will be better utilized at 4
As someone who only knows rudimentary stuff about basketball, can someone explain to me what these numbers mean? I see them thrown out casually all the time, but I have no idea what's going on. Their position on the floor? The order in which they touch the ball?
It varies from team to team but generally:
The 1 is the point guard
2 is the shooting guard
3 is the small forward
4 is the power forward
5 is the center
1-PG
2-SG
3-SF
4-PF
5-C
Much obliged, guys. Thanks. Legs all around!
Unless of course you're the Hokies in which case:
1 is the point guard
2 is the shooting guard
3 is the shooting guard
4 is the shooting guard
5 is the small forward
1 is the point tight end
2 is the shooting tight end
3 is the shooting tight end
4 is the shooting tight end
5 is the small tight end
FixedThatForYou
Nailed it. But joking aside, this wasn't entirely untrue at one point. Jeff King, anyone?
Oh man you're right. I thought I was just being a donkey.
Who does number 2 work for?
Make it so number 1!
I like this explanation, too.
Number 1, I order you to go take a number 2!
Heh. Aye-aye, captain!
He's only 6-5 and Rivals/247 actually lists him as a shooting guard. Since we'll be a bit taller next season (not saying much) hopefully he won't be forced to play a 4, but of course Buzz knows better than I do.
Think Jae Crowder when you think of Chris Clarke. He played under Buzz at Marquette and despite being only 6'6 played the 3 sometimes and the 4 mostly. And he was a beast.
I would be thrilled if Clarke has a career that is similar to Crowder, he was a hoss !
my friend is a head coach at a rival h.s.
he thinks clarke is closer to 6'7" than 6'5" and will be a small ball 4. he isn't a great shooter.
I think Wilson and Smith are likely. Wilson because his playing time will be very limited because his offense is very limited. And Smith because we will have other shooters who are taller. I hope Pierce and Henry stay. If Pierce can develop like JVZ did, he will be a very good big man. And Henry will be a better fit as a forward. I also wonder about Mueller; he is too small for forward and too slow for guard.
My first thoughts reading this were, "JVZ was a very good big man?" By this year, he probably was an adequate big man, but it should be noted JVZ took a redshirt year and wasn't prepared to play the minutes Pierce gave as a freshman. I hope Pierce stays and he absolutely needs more development, but I still think he is far ahead of JVZ at the same point in their careers.
Did not mean to imply that JVZ was a very good big man. What I meant was that under Buzz JVZ improved dramatically. If Piece benefits similarly from working with Buzz, he will be a very good big man.
I don't see Wilson leaving if Mueller isn't going anywhere, and vice versa. Those two are pretty darn close. They'll both see diminished playing time next year, but since we'll still be playing a lot of 4 guard sets their playing time won't disappear completely. It all depends on how happy they are with ~15 mpg instead of 20+ mpg.
Based on Wilson's response to the exercise in the WAPO article, I think he'd be happy with winning. I think he stays. Its amazing how a guys psyche can be sustained when the team mixes in more wins and is more competitive game in and game out.
Smith and Wilson, in my opinion, would be the only two I expect not to be back on scholarship next year.
im gonna say Mueller might be odd man out. Wilson although he doesnt shoot provides so much in leadership assists and defense. We really need him back. I dont see adam smith leaving him and seth allen together could be dangerous. Maybe Hudson as a possible 2nd candidate with all of Buzzs comments about lack of work. Hopefully nobody leaves but i feel as if one might go. cant afford to lose Pierce!
Buzz just needs to bring Tyrone out of him permanently!
Smith as other than the 3 point shot he really doesn't bring that much to the team. If he is eligible for transfer and play immediately, I can see him exploring other options.
Wilson at least has shown willingness to drive to the basket.
That said, I want all of our players to return. They played their hearts out for Buzz and Virginia Tech this year.
First, there are a few categories of those who might leave. You might leave because your minutes are going to be cut (Wilson, Mueller, Henry, Smith). You might leave because you get tired of Buzz calling you out (Hudson, Pierce). You might leave because you have a chance to jump to a better program (Bibbs, Hudson). You might leave because you get recruited over (Pierce, Henry). You might leave because you can play right away and get more PT (Smith). Or you might leave because your girlfriend gets pregnant, your grandmother gets sick or you hate the snow (anyone).
So, we'll see. There are a few players we could lose and replace with better players. What we really, really need to do is keep the core. We know we will have Allen, LeMay, Clarke, Blackshear and Robinson. We need to keep Hill, Bibbs and Hudson. The rest? Buckle up, I'm anticipating a bumpy ride.
As long as Hudson, Hill and Bibbs don't leave, ill be okay. Actually think Adam Smith transferring would be weird, his minutes diminished the last few games but with more proven shooting threats on the floor he is dangerous. An improved shooter at the point along with Bibbs (he was almost unstoppable at times preconcussion) and a more consistent Hudson and Hill should free up Adam smith for more open looks.
The knock on Smith seems to be his defense.
Even if I were the odd man out I wouldn't transfer. Have any of you ever eaten the food at Tech? Thats reason enough for me to justify riding pine
Wilson would be my guess. He's just not good enough on either end to keep his spot with Allen coming in. If he stays, he's probably looking at about 6 minutes per game, tops. I think Mueller stays, despite his friendship with Wilson. Toughest guy on the team, so he'll stick around. Hudson almost certainly stays. There's been a lot of talk about Buzz's comments about him, but Buzz loves his upside, and I'd be shocked if he let Hudson go. I could maybe see Smith taking off, but I love the thought of his shooting ability coupled with even more scoring threats both inside and outside. Henry and Satch should be good, if for no other reason than we need big guys.
And of course, all of this could be entirely wrong, and we could see literally any of the guys on the current roster off the team within the next 6 months.
I would think Bibbs and Hudson may be approached/tampered with by some of the bigger programs.
There is little incentive to transfer to a "bigger" program though. Tech is already in the ACC and playing some of the best competition. They would have to sit out a year when they are both primed to see a bunch of minutes next year. If they play up to whatever potential someone would try to sell them on, then Tech will be beating some of the programs that would try to steal them.
To play the Advocate of the Devil, if I'm these guys I'm looking at that dearth of post players and wondering how long it will take to sort itself out. Bibbs, in particular, isn't a 4 but will likely be slotted there again next year. And not to mention he's not a 4, but he's now got Clarke to deal with, a similar player.
In my estimation, we currently have two problems: 1. We have no legitimate post players and 2. All of our best players (besides Allen, now) are basically the same guy: Bibbs-Hill-Hudson-Clarke. At best, you can play 3 of those guys at a time, but even that isn't optimal.
I get your point, but Hudson is not the same type of player as Hill, Bibbs and/or Clarke. Hudson has the potential to be a scoring point guard if he can increase his handles. Screw his so-so passing ability – I'd prefer he develop the drive and kick as part of his arsenal so people don't just batten down the hatches the second he lowers his head from the top of the circle. I would argue that Allen and Hudson are a closer to the same type of player, though (measurables, notwithstanding).
I've said this 1000x – we do not currently have a capable primary ball handler outside of Devin Wilson, and we've all openly debated his strengths and weaknesses. Maybe Justin Robinson is that guy and maybe he's not. Maybe Allen and Huddy develop into that guy, and maybe they don't. But I agree with you, a team full of wing players is only going to get you so far against P5 competition.
Yeah, I agree. Hudson could develop into a prototypical 2 guard. He has enough handle to do it, but his passing cost him more minutes than his poor defense did this year. Hudson's a weird player. Yes, he's got crazy skills, but he can really be maddening as well. If he becomes a key player for this team and still has the awful lapses, he will cost this team games single-handedly.
From what I've seen of Chris Clarke, he's basically Ahmed Hill...and I'm not sure Clark has Hill's jump shot or defense. Hill is a really good player.
Bibbs is a bit of a tweener as well, he's got a solid handle for a wing and a sweet shot, but he's not a 4 and he will continue to need to play that position next year it seems. If I'm Justin Bibbs, I'm wondering if another year playing the 4 is the best talent progression for him.
Not gonna happen. Any program big enough to be a legit draw for them either 1) is a program we already beat out for their services during their high school recruitment or 2) can go out and get someone just as good.
Yeah, I don't think that's accurate. Maybe you aren't familiar with the recruiting histories of these two players or maybe you aren't familiar with the "step-up" process of transferring after your first year to a bigger program.
Hudson had more offers than Bibbs, but still basically MM offers. Hudson picked VT over Arkansas in the end. Bibbs probably strongly considered Dayton. So if Arizona or Michigan or Villanova or Florida give you a call, it's a different animal than VT. Those types of schools also go hunting for transfers when they lose players to the NBA late in the spring. Hudson and Bibbs look like classic step-up players to me, especially Bibbs who could be outstanding as a 3 with legitimate post players to take some of his inside responsibilities.
It's not likely we lose either, in large part because Buzz is good at what he does, but its a possibility.
I completely agree that it's a possibility, but unlikely because of Buzz being, well, Buzz. But I think an Arizona or Michigan or Villanova could go out and get a kid that's eligible to play now (HS, JUCO, grad transfer) that's just as good as either of those two.
do you just not think these guys are good players? Because they have been pretty well lauded all season. Same with Hill, but because Hill was a Buzz guy and Hudson and Bibbs weren't, I don't see Hill going anywhere.Thompson and DFS were clear step-up transfers at VT and neither played as well as Bibbs did his freshman year, IMO.
Bibbs is my real concern. I like him a lot as a player and I think we're playing him in a position that he isn't best suited for. He clearly hasn't played as well since his concussion and there is some concern over that, in respect to his morale.
I like Hudson a lot, but Buzz sure does bust his balls a lot in the press. The problem with Hudson is that his ceiling is so high but his floor is so low....on a day-to-day basis.
I think they're very good players. I think the thing that will keep the big-time programs away is just the fact that they'd have to sit out a year before contributing. I don't see any of those big programs being in such a tight bind or being so in love with Bibbs or Hudson that they'd burn a scholarship spot for a year, when they can almost certainly get another very good player that can play right away.
There's definitely been something off about Bibbs since his concussion, but that's something I don't see as affecting how he views Buzz or the program. And I think Buzz blasting Hudson is more of his tough-love motivation than lack of faith in his abilities. Buzz is in love with Hudson's ceiling and has the utmost confidence in his coaching abilities to get Hudson as close to said ceiling as possible.
I also believe Hudson is a big fan of Buzz, He seems to understand his criticism is well intended and seems to take it very well.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
I get that Allen is good, but I don't think a freshman coming into the ACC is going to be better in the ACC than a guy that's played 2 years in the ACC? We've all seen how tough this league is on Freshman. Sorry, I just don't agree with that statement. Certainly Wilson's time will go down, but he's a key guy IMHO.
Seth Allen has already played in the ACC and started for Maryland. Then he transferred to us that it why he is sitting out this year.
Allen is a transfer from Maryland. He averaged 13.4 PPG in the ACC as a sophomore
nevermind
Was that said in a Gilda Radner voice?
my very best impression!
Allen will be a Junior transfer PG, Robinson will be a Freshman PG, I think you may be getting them confused.
I keep forgetting, what conference are we in?
He's been a key guy up until now simply because there's been no one else. He's a decent ball handler on a good night and can't score anything but a layup. As has been pointed out, you're getting confused between the freshman and the transfer. But still, Allen (coming in from being ineligible - that probably should have been clarified) alone will almost certainly take a huge chunk of Wilson's minutes, and he'll actually be a scoring threat from the PG position.
Thanks to all in this mini-conversation. I did have him confused. If he has already played in the ACC then my point is null and void. Oops...
I chuckled at the continued use of the bold. Well played.
#gointheACC
Hopefully Henry can pack on some quality lb's in the off season.
I think Wilson's PT will diminish, but I think he is too much of a competitor to leave. He strikes me as the kind of player who would enjoy the challenge beating out another player at the positions and would play just as hard if he gets 10 minutes or 25. I actually don't think we will see any transfers unless Buzz essentially pushes them out. Adam Smith already transferred once from UNC-Wilm, I don't see him wanting to start over again.
There has to be at least one transfer. We signed three new recruits with only 2 open scholarships, and rumors that we have offered another player or two.
I believe that final spot opened up when JVZ transferred.
I believe you are correct, could not remember why but leg for you!
I think we all need BasketballWhiz Rob to do an article for TKP to wrap up Buzz Year 1 and place a bow around the coming Buzz Year 2. Rob, your up!
FWIW, Brian and I already have this in the works. Stay tuned.
If I'm Buzz...Allen, Smith, Hill, Hudson, Robinson, Clarke, and Bibbs gives me 7 guys who can all handle the ball and score and lets me use 3-4 on the floor at all times. Pierce, LeDay and Blackshear can all give decent minutes in the low post. Can you play 2 at once? Not sure. Mueller isn't going to get a lot of minutes...ever. Wilson will lose minutes in every reasonable scenario. Henry can provide and will get spot minutes. If he was happy this year. He'll be happy next year.
I'm guessing Buzz signs at least one more and attrition happens. Based on projected minutes...Wilson, Mueller, and/or Henry could be out. Maybe even Smith. Based on the inconsistent effort factor, perhaps Hudson and/or Pierce.
My guesses:
1) Smith - 6'1" and not a PG. Not a great defender. Quick shot, accurate at any distance. Probably eligible for graduate transfer and would be instant offense for a lot of mid-major programs.
2) Wilson - Good size at PG, but with Allen and Robinson playing next year minutes at PG are going to be scarce. Heady player but not a great ball handler or shooter. Decent defender but not great. Hurts him that Bibbs can run point if we need a #3 PG.
3) Mueller - 6'3" and not a PG. Not a notable shooter, passer or penetrator. Decent defender but not great on the ball. Looking at splitting minutes with Bibbs, Hill, Hudson, Clarke (and Smith if he stays) at the 2/3.
darkhorse: Hudson - 6'5" tremendous talent level, needs to play to his ability on a consistent basis. Inconsistent effort/performance is not a hallmark of Williams' players. Might transfer to a program where he could start on talent alone. However freshmen are rarely going to be perfect and so I don't think Williams is going to want to send him packing, rather he is going to do his best to develop Hudson into an NBA player.
My WAG at the returning players
Starters:
1. S. Allen, R-JR (PG)
2. A. Hill, SO (SG)
3. Bibbs, SO (G)
4. LeDay, R-JR (F)
5. Pierce, SO (C/F)
Bench:
1. J. Hudson, SO (G/F)
2. C. Clarke, FR (G/F)
3. J. Robinson, FR (PG)
4. S. Henry, SR, (F)
5. K. Blackshear, FR (F)
6. A. Smith, R-SR (G) or new signee
7. M. Mueller, R-SO (G/F) or new signee
8. D. Wilson, (G) or new signee
Clarke will be a FR not a SO
oops, fixed
Clarke would start over Hill, maybe Bibbs at 2 and Clarke at 3
I can't justify that to myself. Clarke is a talented freshman, but Hill is very talented as well and has several things going for him that make him an almost surefire starter again next year.
1) a year of experience playing tons of minutes in college ball, starting tons of games
2) a work ethic like no other
3) one of the most consistent players on the team this year
Not that who starts is going to make a huge difference in playing time. I can see Hill, Bibbs, Hudson and Clarke all playing about 20-25 minutes a game.
Well done, I think you are spot on in your assessment and of the starting 5 for next year.
All I have to say is, if every player that plays for VT in the next couple of years plays as hard and as tough as Christian Beyer and Will Johnston did then we are going to have one heckuva team.
I hope all of them stay. Every single one of those guys, that finished the season, played their butts off for Buzz AND Tech. However, if any of them do decide to leave, particularly a guard, I can't say I blame them. We have a guard-heavy team, meaning minutes are going to be hard to get next year. If any of them decide to leave, then I wish them the best of luck.
Tinfoil hat theory:
Smith - Stays, becomes the off of timeout 3pt guy. Plays 6 minutes a game and average 12 points.
Wilson - Stays, accepts a limited role on the team, also plays football this fall, wins the heisman.
Mueller - Stays, steals his best friends fathers Ferrari.
Pierce - Stays, plays the 1.5
It could happen....
Any idea what bigs Buzz is looking to add in the spring signing period? I know he was looking at Levi Cook but with the injury I am assuming that would lower our interest as we need somebody to contribute next year.
I am wondering the same thing...I hope he is looking into JUCO Transfers or Grad Transfers big men that would be eligible immediately and have some college bball game experience.
I think that High Point player John Brown is considering transferring for his senior season. Wonder if Buzz will go after him if he does.
I have seen him play, I would take him in a heartbeat.
My first thought upon reading this Thread Title was:
Couldn't resist, sorry. I can't really get a feel for this team. I see their effort and their flaws but I can't get a feel for who doesn't necessarily want to stick around. So honestly I expect not to be surprised by any major attrition. I also wouldn't be surprised by little attrition (although spots must be made for some, but maybe the guys love playing for Coach). I racked my brain and feel like there are too many things in play to make a confident guess as to what next year's roster will look like. That's the scariest part about what's been shown Buzz, but I think he will work it out either which way.
As much as I hated watching Pierce play at times, we need the height at this point. Why would he leave? Buzz got him to come to BBurg from Marquette and could get minutes down the road. Granted his ceiling at this point is Victor Davila, which is pretty sad, but we need someone who works the boards down the road. I don't care how great the talent looks on paper next year, you have to have a coach who emphasizes the importance of rebounding to win anything in the ACC. Just my two cents.
Adam Smith is transferring after graduation
Man, I wish we would hear about a new big man signing with the Hokies. Very,very quiet. Anybody hearing anything? We have a scholarship available with Smith transferring.
I have a feeling Buzz and Co. are waiting for everything play out with coaching changes and transfer announcements before they lock in on one person, they need to make sure they get the best possible person available with that scholarship. But once everything is settled and they know who they want, it will be full steam ahead and they will out work everyone else for that guy.
I don't know who fits this role, but I would love to see that big man spot filled with a defense/rebound 5 guy, preferably a JUCO. With Allen at point, we will have scoring at 4 positions. We can afford to give away a position for defense, I would prefer it be a rim protector. That would free up the rest of our defense so much more.
We must get better at defense. That is where our real problem was this year. We can score. We cut down on the turnovers as the year wore on. Even our rebounding improved down the stretch. But defensively, we weren't good.
Furthermore I still think there is a high possibility that Wilson and/or Mueller still transfer out of the program. Both of their minutes will drastically shrink next year and there are plenty of guards available and on our roster that can easily fill there roles.
And apparently Wilson and Mueller are close. It will likely be both or neither transferring.
And Mueller probably does not want to leave. He supposedly really likes VT and Buzz #sources
He also has already used his redshirt year. Idk how exactly a transfer would work for him but I figure he'd be required to sit out a year and use up a year of eligibility
A transfer does not lose a year of eligibility, must sit out the year unless he has graduated.
Can also drop down to D-2 without sitting out. Go to a small school for a year, then come back to D1 with 2 to play.
I think Emelogu played at SMU this year. Not sure how that was worked out. Perhaps it was a coaching change deal.
Some sort of waiver since he was moving back closer to home
I believe it was a grandparent ill.
thanks
And that rule is changing. No more hardship waivers.
Emelogu played 15 minutes a game and averaged 2.8 ppg.
There's a chance that they hold the scholarship open too. I believe Shane Henry will be the only scholarship senior on the team next year. Not positive on that, but other juniors on the roster were Adam Smith (transferring), Greg Donlon (walk-on), Zach LeDay and Seth Allen (I assume both took a RS year). If that's the case, they might be trying to hold the scholarship so they can get more than one guy in the class. Of course even this might be conditional on whether or not other scholarships open up due to transfers.
FWIW Jerry Meyer from 247 says he feels good about VT landing Charlotte transfer Mike Thorne. He is being pursued by Arizona and Kansas among others.
EDIT - VT seems to be out of the picture at this point.
Can I ask why you changed you mind? I saw Jerry's tweet about feeling good about VT a few days ago, but haven't seen any terrible news since. I understand he's visiting Kansas and that's tough, but I do still think we're in the running.
Edit: Just saw he's down to KU, Illinois, and Pitt.
Yup, this is what I saw. Thanks for gone head and posting this!
Not sure why he chose Pittsburg over Pittsburgh, but I'm gone just ignore this now.
Dude? The Fightin' Gorillas? Who wouldn't want to play there?
Expect it to stay quiet until the new signing period starts up on April 15th. Then I think things should start picking up.
According several places Buzz and Co. offered St. Johns 4* de-commit SG Brandon Sampson.
Wow, another guard? Trust in Buzz.
Maybe an indication that we'll be losing one more than we thought we would be?
He's an elite player and a near 5 star by some services. If a player like him wants to play for you, you take him unless you don't have any open spots which we do of course.
Small'ish, active 4-man. Known for his rebounding. Upside is similar to most of Buzz's post players at Marquette. At worst, he's a better version of Shane Henry.
If he's visiting this late, we have a chance to sign him if we close this weekend. It's not the 5 man that we need, but it would allow us to play a pretty versatile, yet small, lineup.
From my understanding he's a much better player in the post than Henry, has an offensive game and comes with a high motor much like Chris Clarke. He would be an instant starter for the next two years.
I know Chris Coleman said on twitter that he would be a 30 mpg guy. It's tough to make that call, both because it is nearly impossible to translate JUCO stats/skills to major college basketball and because Buzz's playing time calculator is set to wonky.
He would be another body, which we need. I'm just saying that at worst, he will be an upgrade over Henry. At best, he's a 30 mpg, 10ppg, 8rpg staple in our lineup for two years.
I could see our rotation next year looking like:
1: Allen/Robinson/Wilson
2: Hudson/Mueller/Hill
3: Hill/Clarke
4: Bibbs/Freeman/LeDay
5: Pierce/Blackshear/LeDay
With the only thing we are assured of is that Allen and Hill will be on the court a lot. Other than that, we have a ton of pieces and parts to mix and match.
I like Freeman's stat for getting to the free throw line compared to what I've seen from Pierce and Henry. Perhaps that is what CC is thinking about when he predicts him to be a 30 mpg player. Can't disagree about the range of possibility for Freeman translating to the new league, and putting the pieces together - but am starting to like the pieces if we can land a couple of these JUCOs, including Hamilton.
This is a bit confusing, we were in on him last year?
http://www.gobblercountry.com/2014/4/10/5603204/virginia-tech-hokies-bas...
Yes.
per the stats on the school's website
6-7, 215; 19 ppg, 9.5 rpg, in 36 mpg; 65% FTs, 55% from the field; occasionally will try a 3...7 for 24; gets to the line a lot, 8.5 attempts per game
He will be a soph, correct?
I think he would be a junior
Apparently Buzz and Co. are focusing heavy on JUCO players right now.
Here is a link to his 247 profile:
http://247sports.com/Player/Mychal-Mulder-77806
Highlights from Freshman Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpdt5hiFfyk
The twitter says he's getting a lot of interest from Kentucky and Louisville in the last couple of weeks. Even without those two, he's got solid offers.
Mulder looks pretty interesting. We could really use his 3 pt shooting 46% after losing Smith, and at 5" (?) taller he wouldn't be the defensive liability Smith was either. I know we need bigs but I still want him - he looks like he could be a key piece of the puzzle.
When Buzz did his tournament TV stuff, there was a JUCO tournament close by that he was scouting at, so it would definitely make sense.
Rim Protector!
Yes, I will take him! I would love to see VT find a guy to play the 5 who is an eraser at the rim, rebounder, and limited offensive player (initially). With Seth Allen starting at the point, we will have scoring at 4 positions. But we need defensive backup in the lane.
I agree with this, Hamilton would seem to fit our needs the most.
Yes. Give us all the big men. All of them.
I would assume this means we're out of it for Mulder.
Kentucky seems to be all over Mulder this week. At least Buzz is getting us involved with high class players.
yeah when you lose 7 players to the draft you need bodies just to fill a team next year
Also, it makes me feel like there will be more attrition still to come.
Agreed!
Outlaw is a pretty intense last name
I always liked this guy from the Clippers
moved
Another Guard
He was suspended from team in Feb. Good stats with 14.4PPG, 7.4RBG and 2.9APG. Only 6'3" but a really good rebounder. Truthfully, I don't see the need for him unless we are losing Hudson or Bibbs.
I believe April 15th is next signing date, would be nice to have a signing by then. I agree, it needs to be someone who will make the front court stronger. Last year's front line was horrible, using guards was not where we need to be.
Any idea how Ford is going to fit in with the team next year? He has already stated his intention to try both sports next year.
He said that he'll see how it goes. He did not confirm his intentions to play, he just didn't rule it out.
Isaiah Ford playing basketball is the new Drew Harris enrolling
You didn't hear? Enrolling for the Summer semester. He's in the mix for carries this year.
OT comment but I was reading about players who had declared for the NBA draft so far and noticed a comment that Georgia State SG R.J. Hunter "turned down offers from better schools to play for his father in the Sun Belt." Curious as to who these other schools were, I did a quick search and found none other than Virginia Tech on the short list of teams pursuing him. Perhaps we can file R.J. as a footnote in the "players who left Virginia Tech to have success in the NCAA tournament," and two 14 seeds who upset 3 seeds this year had a Virginia Tech connection (Robert Brown at UAB being the other).
I had no idea about this. He was clutch as hell in their tournament win.
How has this not been posted here?
Not real sure but if we're posting Clash links then:
Straight to Hell. Best Clash song ever.
+1 for all mentions of 'the only band that matters.'
Have we heard any news on weekend visits? It seems to be very quiet on all fronts.
This is the only thing I have seen in regards to any of the players that were on campus:
I would assume Outlaw is just taking it slow making sure he sees all his options. As for the other two I would have thought we would have heard something by now, being as they seem to fit bigger needs for us.
FWIW, we did get 3 crystal balls for Outlaw during/since the visit.
I was kinda hoping we would lock up at least one of Hamilton or Freeman over the weekend.
Me too. Fream and Hamilton seem like bigger needs to me. It will be interesting one way or another to see the offseason add/removals play out...
Depends on if we're losing one of our talented wings.
Fair enough. I hope we don't lose any of our wings. Lots of potential there.
I think most of these guys will take their time in making a decision. We are the ones who are anxious!
There were 3-4 visitors depending and 1 scholly. Not even sure we offered all these guys, or maybe said first one who accepts is it. There's been no news of attrition yet, seems if guys wanted to leave they would be planning that out now to get the best landing spot. I liked our team this year they were just a couple plays a game away from winning five or six more games (conversely losing five or six less) which would have translated to the NIT possibly. Great incoming class along with the guys who were sitting a year, i don't think they are far away from turning the corner. I think most of the turnover that's going to happen, has, and the core of the team is solid.
The one who concerns me the most is Bibbs, I can't even give a valid reason but he does concern me. Hudson I believe will stay for sure.
Deshawn Freeman commits to Rutgers.
http://virginiatech.247sports.com/Bolt/COMMITMENT-ALERT-Deshawn-Freeman-...
Well that sure is a bummer. He was the guy I was most excited about potentially landing.
Me, too. Man, do we need at least one more big man.
I thought we definitely would've landed Freeman.
Well that's unfortunate. I don't think we're in the running for any more bigs at this point, are we? If not, we might still be a little light under the rim next year.
A little light but definitely better off. Getting Hamilton and having Leday and Blackshear we will have 4 big bodies instead of 1. Pierce should be much improved too which will be nice to see.
Honestly, with just Hamilton we'll be in such a better spot than we were last year. We have guys that can shoot lights out from anywhere on the court, but our biggest problem was always lack of size down low. Once Pierce went out of the game, we were in trouble, and if we can just get one guy who can give quality minutes to take some pressure off him, we are going to be pretty good going forward.
Yeah, it'll be nice to load up on size down low, but with the team we have, its not the end of the world if we don't do it this year.
My thoughts exactly. We got the best of the bunch for our needs when we signed Hamilton. I was really worried we were going to have to settle for another guard to fill our last scholarship spot for next season's roster.
I keep saying the rubber is going to meet the road in year three under Buzz, but next season is looking to be in way better shape than I thought it would be. This all just because we landed another center.
Oh I agree having a sub for him will be big. It will be nice though having a 4 player as well so that Mueller doesn't have to try and defend guys 6 inches taller than him down low all night. He did a great job last year for what he was asked to do and it worked out well on the offensive side but rebounding was tough with only 1 big on the court. If we want to keep that slasher at the 4, Henry could find a nice role in that spot this year if he develops. He can be just enough on defense and rebounding and be quicker than most 4s when we are on offense.
I wonder if Buzz will or has got involved with Sterling Gibbs. I watched him play live a few times last year up here in NJ and I can say that he would instantly improve our backcourt. He is a score first PG with the ability to pass and shoot the 3. He is aggressive getting to the basket and finishes strong at the rim. His defense is pretty solid, but he is definitely more of an offensive threat. Plus I would think whoever lands him gets an instant bump in the chances of landing his younger brother Temple, who is currently ranked as a borderline 4*/5* for the 2016 recruiting class and 247 seems to think were heavily involved with him right now.
http://zagsblog.com/articles/seton-halls-sterling-gibbs-to-transfer/
http://247sports.com/Player/Temple-Gibbs-27448
Tbh, i dont think our backcourt is currently a priority recruiting wise. Some people say Seth Allen is already a score first PG, plus with Robinson coming in this year i dont think its nearly as big of a goal for Buzz right now, especially for next year. would love to land his brother though!
I tend to agree with you that the position isn't one of need (we definitely could use another big or 2), but he would instantly be the best PG on the team and probably a top 5 PG in the ACC (also it could allow us to redshirt Robinson next year). All I was trying to say (and maybe I did a poor job of explaining) was that I would be completely on board if he did decide to pursue Gibbs.
Players normally don't redshirt in bball unless transferring and they need to sit out and/or due to injury. With the way Buzz has turned over the roster I don't see him redshirting anyone unless its due to a player transferring into team.
Plus Robinson is a top ten point guard in this class, you redshirt guys like JVZ and Mueller
Maybe we can get a package sign! We should wish.