On paper, things are looking better for the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team following this portal cycle. Last season, after a stunning portal mass exodus, the Hokies tried filling holes through the portal, but when the dust settled, Mike Young didn’t have as big of an NIL package as other schools, and it led to slim pickings.
Back in March, it was reported that Young had a bigger NIL package to work with this offseason, and while you can’t say that it has played a big role in this portal cycle, Young has landed some promising talent. One college basketball writer thinks one addition is going to make a quick impact in Blacksburg.
Jeff Borzello of ESPN ranks Virginia Tech’s incoming transfer inside the Top 100
Back in March, Izaiah Pasha opened some eyes for Delaware in the CAA Tournament as he helped the Blue Hens almost pull off a miracle conference tournament run to the NCAA Tournament. He has 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a Championship Game loss to UNC Wilmington.
He committed to Virginia Tech in the portal, and Borzello ranked him in the Top 100 transfer rankings. Here is what he wrote,
“Mike Young has put a premium on outside shooting during his time as a head coach, so Pasha’s development in that area will be key to his success in Blacksburg. He’ll be given the keys to this offense immediately upon arrival; it’s easy to see him forming an effective ball-screen duo with Amani Hansberry or Tobi Lawal.”
Maybe the biggest news to come out of this offseason for Young and the Hokies was Tobi Lawal officially returning to Blacksburg after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. Along with West Virginia transfer Amani Hansberry, it gives Virginia Tech two players who can execute a pick and roll with the ability to finish big time at the basket.
Rising sophomore Ben Hammond returns and he’ll have a say when all is said and done when it comes to getting the keys to running things, but Pasha can fill a number of needed roles and if he can shoot the ball better, then the Hokies all of sudden have a better backcourt than they had last season.
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