Virginia Tech Basketball 2015-16 Season Preview

By Taylor Sturm
Virginia Tech Basketball head Coach
Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies finished at the bottom of the ACC in the 2014-15 season, and, unfortunately, it does not look like things will be much better in 2015-16.

Last season’s leading scorer, Adam Smith, has transferred to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, while leading rebounder Joey van Zegeren has transferred to the Northwestern Wildcats. This team will be anchored by sophomores in Ahmed Hill, Justin Bibbs and Jalen Hudson, as well as incoming four-star recruits Chris Clark, Kerry Blackshear Jr. and Justin Robinson. Buzz Williams was also able to snag a JUCO 7-foot tall center in Johnny Hamilton.

The lack of experience on this team is glaring, but the team’s youth looks to be a great building block for the future of the Virginia Tech program. Williams continues to recruit at a fantastic level, and most of these players will remain with the Hokies until their senior seasons. This is the right path for a team that has struggled as of late.

Their non-conference schedule includes the West Virginia Mountaineers and Iowa State Cyclones, and their conference schedule is arguably the most difficult conference in college basketball, otherwise known as the ACC. You should not expect much from this team this season, as they will likely finish in the bottom three of the ACC once again with a below .500 record.

Although things look bleak for Williams and the Hokies this season, I cannot help but point out the positive trends for Virginia Tech. The young roster gets a trial by fire, facing some of the best teams in the country week-in and week-out. Williams continues to recruit at a high level, bringing in four-star recruits on a consistent basis. Most of these players will stay in school at least three seasons, giving the team depth and time to gel. Virginia Tech is clearly on the up, even if they are largely out of the NCAA Tournament picture for the next two years.

Watch for the Hokies to struggle for the majority of the season, but nearly knock off one of the elite teams in the ACC and show fans a taste of the success that will come down the road.

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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