A Gym Rat’s Notebook: A Look Ahead to 2005-06: The Backcourt

When looking at the overall prospects for the Virginia Tech 2005-06 basketball season, as I complete our look ahead
by scrutinizing the returnees in the backcourt for next season, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one fact that
looms large over the program. It is a fact that many people are aware of, but nevertheless it still causes concern, even
coming off the fine season that the program was able to generate in year one of the ACC.

Virginia Tech’s starting lineup consisted of only one player that weighed as much as 225 pounds. Coleman Collins
held that distinction. Alongside him in the front court was a 190-pound freshman forward (Deron Washington) and a
205-pound fifth-year senior (Carlos Dixon) who logged more time in the backcourt during his career than he did in the
front court. In fact, Virginia Tech really started three guards, a power forward and a rail-thin, catalytically charged
athletic superball whose best position is still unknown.

Virginia Tech was undoubtedly the least physically imposing team in the ACC last season, and it will
remain a significant area of concern in the near future. Seth Greenberg will have to have his mojo working to maneuver
around that size and strength disadvantage, and it will continue to limit his options on the style of play he would
ideally like to implement.

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