In less than a month, Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball team will begin its
most anticipated season since the 1995-96 campaign. The Hokies return four
starters and all of their backups from a team that was a game away from making
the NCAA tournament. Tech made it to the quarterfinals of the NIT and won 21
games, with six freshmen as part of the playing rotation.

Virginia Tech’s only loss from last season was Deron Washington, and that was
a substantial loss. Washington was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft
by the Detroit Pistons, and is playing this season in Israel.

Washington was a dynamic player for the Hokies. He provided energy points on
offense, served as a good rebounder, and could defend anyone from a point guard
to a power forward. His versatility and athleticism will be greatly missed.

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