None of Virginia Tech’s players have ever played in the NCAA Tournament. They are facing a team (Wisconsin) whose seniors have played in two Final Fours and a Sweet 16. On paper, that sounds like a mismatch. Fortunately Tech’s head coach has plenty of NCAA Tournament experience, and if the players draw from his knowledge and don’t get blinded by the bright lights of such a big stage, they’ll have a good chance to advance when they play Wisconsin on Thursday night.

When Buzz Williams was hired by Virginia Tech, he brought with him something that had always been lacking from Hokie basketball coaches: legitimate and successful NCAA Tournament experience. Tech fans are hoping that experience pays off not only this year, but in seasons to come.

Here is the number of NCAA Tournament appearances and wins that former Virginia Tech coaches had before they were hired by Virginia Tech:

Buzz Williams: 5 appearances, 8 wins
James Johnson: 0
Seth Greenberg: 2 appearances, 0 wins
Ricky Stokes: 0
Bobby Hussey: 1 appearance, 0 wins
Bill Foster: 1 appearance, 3 wins
Frankie Allen: 0
Charlie Moir: 0
Don DeVoe: 0
Howard Shannon: 0

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