The Matrix 2.2: Assessing the Hokies As They Hit the Stretch Run

Welcome back to The Matrix, where the zeros and ones of binary code have been replaced with the loveable mugs of our favorite Buzzketballers. The Hokies have battled through ACC play, and Tech is 6-8 overall (5-3 against teams that weren't ranked in the top 25). Buzz Williams continues to tinker with his starting five, but has largely settled on a consistent rotation of seven players. Justin Bibbs, Jalen Hudson, Seth Allen, Justin Robinson, Zach LeDay, Devin Wilson and Kerry Blackshear, Jr. are the mainstays. Williams has also sprinkled in Satchel Pierce and Shane Henry, and freshman spark plug Chris Clarke briefly returned from injury before spraining his ankle against Florida State.

With the exception of their win at 12th place Georgia Tech — Tech's first ACC road win since December 2013 at Miami — the Hokies have really struggled away from Cassell Coliseum in ACC play. The home versus away dichotomy isn't altogether surprising for this young team. ACC venues are some of the most hostile in America, intimidating enough to trip up the most talented and seasoned teams.

For someone trying to gauge the pulse of this team, the road games intrigue me significantly more than the home contests. It's one thing to feed off of friendly fans cheering you on and intimidating your opponent, but how do you perform when the script is flipped and you're the focus of the fans' ire?

Those are the games that illustrate where the team is at mentally, physically and developmentally. It's where you learn who brings their a-game, regardless of the environment. It's how you gauge the growth of an unseasoned squad.

For a quick reminder on how the Matrix works and the methodology behind each category, take a read through Version 1.1.

The Matrix 2.2

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Alpha Male

Throughout ACC play, it has become frustrating to watch the inconsistent play of Tech's top players on the road. The big four of Seth Allen, Zach LeDay, Justin Bibbs and Jalen Hudson have posted home-road splits that point to the Hokies' relative inexperience. These are the guys Buzz leans on to steady the ship in rough waters. When they get going against a tough opponent, their confidence settles down the rest of the team.

In the Hokies' last four road games, this group's scoring average is down significantly compared to games in Blacksburg. Why did the Hokies struggle so badly in the last two games away from home at Virginia and Miami? None of the four scored in double figures. This speaks to a larger issue with this team that has reared its ugly head of late: The lack of dependable No. 1 and No. 2 (or 1a) scoring options severely limits this team against top level competition.

LeDay has been consistent almost all season, but there's been a drop off as of late. Seth Allen has high volume games, but consistency isn't exactly a word that best describes his game. The fact that balance exists on a young and developing team is a big plus over the long term; however, the short term ramifications bore themselves out over the past month.

Which raises an interesting question: Heading down the stretch and into the ACC Tournament, who would you count on most with the ball in their hands down two points with ten seconds to go?

Seth Allen is arguably the team's most dynamic scoring threat, but he's an absolute wildcard. As the clock winds down, you wouldn't know if you're going to end up with a solid look, a forced three-point attempt or an out-of-control layup in traffic.

Zach LeDay has been this team's stalwart since the season began. But with the clock winding down, would you have the confidence that he could create and get off a clean look? LeDay's offensive game is diverse, but the speed with which he plays is akin to an octogenarian wearing ankle weights.

In his two years in Blacksburg, Justin Bibbs has proven to be an assassin in the catch-and-shoot game. But does he have the game to create his own shot off the dribble?

And then there's Jalen Hudson, who can score in myriad ways but is without a doubt the most enigmatic player on the roster.

Right now, my money continues to be on Seth Allen. Love him or hate him, he's a creative shooter (albeit not the most consistent scorer), and it's hard to bet against a guy that is hungry to score. Look no further than Saturday afternoon, where he somehow managed to swipe Jalen Hudson's free throw attempt on the back end of an And-1 call. Sure, he missed the shot. But you can't deny he wanted the ball in his hands.

Floor General

I might be alone, but I've been impressed with Devin Wilson's play of late. His game continues to be arguably the most limited in Buzz's rotation. But on a team full of underclassmen, Wilson's temperament has provided a calming influence on the floor. His pass-firstalways approach has led to plenty of scoring chances for guys like LeDay, Hudson and Bibbs. His leadership qualities have allowed Seth Allen time to operate off-the-ball, and his active hands and willingness to take a charge have been vital to the Hokies' improvement on the defensive end.

It's been a long, challenging and frankly unorthodox career for Devin Wilson. A dangerous and promising point guard as a freshman — lest we forget Wilson made the freshman All-ACC team just two seasons ago — Wilson has seen his role and confidence diminish since Buzz Williams took over. Wilson certainly works hard, but it has been his inability to consistently knock down anything other than a layup or free throw that has truly limited him. You saw it firsthand on Saturday.

Faced with a wide open three-point attempt from the corner, Wilson hesitated twice before swinging the ball around the perimeter. You could see his mind tie up his instincts. Interestingly enough, I remember saying out loud, "Good decision, Devin," after he passed up the shot.

After growing frustrated with Wilson's inability to knock down open jumpers last year, I've become strangely accustomed to his shot aversion. Despite playing the fifth most minutes on the team, Wilson is averaging only two shot attempts per game and a paltry 2.0 points per contest. But it's his subtle influence as a leader on both ends of the floor that warrants the minutes Buzz gives him.

Justin Robinson continues to be the heir apparent at point guard, but Wilson's presence has enabled Buzz to limit Robinson's exposure early in his career — something Wilson didn't have the luxury of enjoying during his first season of college basketball. It has allowed Robinson to really shine, displaying incredible vision and a well-developed long-range jumper.

I'm not entirely sure how Devin Wilson fits into the rotation next year, but one thing's for sure: His gritty, selfless play has been exactly what Buzz Williams needed as he shaped the Hokies into his type of team.

Rim Protector

Despite solid play from fellow newcomer Kerry Blackshear, Chris Clarke continues to sit at the No. 2 spot thanks to an impressive return to the lineup two weeks ago. Clarke's freakish quickness and leaping ability help him overcome the size differential he faces on the glass. He has shown a knack for reading the ball off the rim and a willingness to fight for loose balls. Much the same way Zach LeDay battles on the block against bigger and taller post players, Clarke has brought an incredible amount energy that has helped him out-will his opponents.

While Buzz has slowly tried to ease Clarke back into the lineup — a strategy that was quickly sidelined on Saturday, due in part to Clarke's lightning pace — he has made his biggest impact on the glass in limited minutes. In 43 minutes against three talented frontcourts, Clarke managed to grab 13 boards (7 offensive).

This team continues to desperately need a big that can log 25-30 minutes per game and bang down low with high major post players. Kerry Blackshear may develop into that player in time; he brings a tenacity that will serve him well as he adjusts to the physicality of ACC play. Incoming freshman Khadim Sy and his long wingspan could provide some help, but word is he's got a ways to go. Until scholarships become available, Buzz will continue to rely on undersized 3's and 4's that make up for their lack of height with scrappiness and heart.

Lock-down Defender

It's hard to truly gauge the improvement (or digression) of the Hokies' on-ball defending since we last spoke. Buzz has dug deep into his bag of tricks to try and keep opposing offenses (and coaches) on their toes, employing a variety of defensive sets that rotate throughout the game. We've seen combinations of straight-up man-to-man, 2-3, 3-2, Box-and-1 and variations of each.

The approach has changed the pace of games, forcing teams to use more of the shot clock. It has taken teams out of rhythm with regularity, throwing a wrench in their offensive sets just as they begin to find success against a given defense. More importantly, it has helped Buzz keep key foul-happy bigs like Kerry Blackshear and Zach LeDay on the floor for extended periods of time.

When you consider the fact that the Hokies' leading scorer (LeDay) has picked up at least three fouls in nine straight games and in every ACC contest but one (at Georgia Tech), it's amazing the Hokies haven't lost more games. To be honest, night in and night out LeDay is being asked to fight a battle he can very rarely win.

At 6-7, LeDay is typically forced to defend stronger and taller post players or more athletic wings. His heavy legs make it harder for him to elevate with the taller guys and move his feet to stay in front of the wings. His grit means he's always a factor, but that same trait leads to fouls where his lack of elite athleticism puts him in a poor position.

The return of Chris Clarke could prove vital to the Hokies stretch run (assuming he is able to recover from his recent ankle injury), providing Buzz with some supplemental defense along the wing. Until the rotation finally settles into a groove with Clarke, it will be up to the LeDay and Blackshear to avoid cheap fouls and continued active perimeter defending from guys like Devin Wilson, Jalen Hudson and Justin Robinson.

Energy Guy

Chris Clarke continues to have the top spot on lockdown, thanks to an impressive return from the sidelines. The breakneck pace that he plays with is a blast to watch, but Saturday's injury reminded me of just how fragile that style of play can be.

During Tyrod Taylor's first two years in Blacksburg, he'd amp up the crowd every time he broke the pocket. As time went on, I began to lose count of the number of times Tyrod would roll an ankle decelerating as he scooted out of bounds to avoid contact. It got to the point where I worried his playing style may need to be ratcheted down just to keep him healthy.

The same holds true with Clarke. After spending six weeks on the mend, Clarke returned to action against in-state rival Virginia with a furor. He continued his electric play against Miami and early-on against Florida State before rolling his ankle on a defender's foot while attacking the basket on a fast break. I certainly don't want to see Clarke tone down his game — it's what makes him such a unique and promising player — but I would be lying if I said his recent injury problems didn't scare me.