The ACC released its preseason men’s basketball media predictions for 2016-17, and the media picked Virginia Tech to finish 10th in the 15-team league. The voting was performed by ACC members as part of the league’s annual Operation Basketball.
Last year, the Hokies were picked 14th in the conference, but they surprised everyone by finishing tied for 7th in the league with Clemson at 10-8 (20-15 overall). The Hokies won their last five conference games of the regular season, including a victory over #7 Miami, then defeated Florida State at the ACC Tournament before falling to Miami.
The Hokies return their top four scorers from a year ago (Zach LeDay, Seth Allen, Justin Bibbs and Chris Clarke), and they add redshirts Ahmed Hill (8.7 PPG in 2014-15) and Ty Outlaw (junior college transfer who sat out last year due to a medical condition). Last year’s impact freshmen, Justin Robinson and Kerry Blackshear are back (more on Blackshear below), and true freshmen Khadim Sy and Tyrie Jackson also join the team. The only losses from last season are Shane Henry (1.8 PPG), who finished his eligibility, plus fifth-leading scorer Jalen Hudson (8.4 PPG) and Satchel Pierce (1.6 PPG), who transferred to Florida and Penn State respectively.
Kerry Blackshear Out; Zach LeDay Injured
There is some bad news for the Hokies. It was previously reported by TSL’s Ricky LaBlue that forward Kerry Blackshear will miss the opening of practice and perhaps the season; now Mark Berman of The Roanoke Times reports that Tech head coach Buzz Williams said at Operation Basketball that leading returning scorer and rebounder Zach LeDay is also hurt, although Williams provided no detail.
The Hokies open their season Friday, November 11th at home against Maine, at 9 PM. For the full 2016-17 Virginia Tech basketball schedule, click here.
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That is some all season locker room material posted on every single locker. 10th. Tenth. Tenth. One zero in your conference.
Tenth??? Buzz and the boys will destroy this pick and make the tourney and win at least one round in the dance.
10th? Good, we have ’em right where we want ’em.
What is plan for Devin Wilson?
I like the way the ACC gives Buzz the chip on his shoulder that helps him with team attitude. I would prefer to be underestimated by a foe. That’s got to be a key precept in The Art of War the strategic classic.
any reaction to whether there is a feeling the 10th place is too low?
By comparison the Coaches’ Preseason Poll has us as the 9th ACC team in “others receiving votes” with Duke -> Syracuse ranked in that order in the Top 25 and FSU, Miami, and ND above us in “others” but NC State is nowhere to be found. I too am curious on their thoughts on where we should be but looks like the ACC Media likes NCSU more than the national coaches at least.
RE: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings
“true freshmen Ty Outlaw and Khadim Sy also join the team” — might want to correct that.
Meant to say Tyrie Jackson — fixed, thanks.