Virginia Tech head basketball coach Mike Young has been around a long time. Young is entering his sixth season as VT’s head coach, but it’s his 24th season overall as a head coach. After a rough couple
of years, Young can’t help but share his excitement about this year’s team.
“We’re excited in Blacksburg. I’ve got a really good team,” Young said. “Those of you that have covered our team through my 24 years as a head coach, I’m not much on bravado. I’m not much on,…. I’m an undersell-overserve person, but my excitement is brimming with this team. These three guys up here have a lot to do that.”
Young was referring to forwards Amani Hansberry and Tobi Lawal and guard Jailen Bedford at the ACC Tipoff event in Charlotte.
Young discussed Virginia Tech’s size and depth, something he’s lacked consistently since taking over in 2019. Only four players from last season’s roster returned in 2025-25: Lawal, sophomore guards Tyler Johnson and Ben Hammon, and junior guard Jaden Schutt. The Hokies received more resources in the offseason and put them to good use. The first was the return of top assistant Chester Frazier. Frazier was on Young’s first Virginia Tech staff, but has spent time at Illinois and West Virginia since.
Tech used the transfer portal to add Hansberry, a transfer from West Virginia. Hansberry has inside-outside versatility, but Young said Hansberry is the best player the Hokies have had at the five since former All-ACC selection Keve Aluma.
If the season began today, who would be the Hokies’ starting five?
Neoklis Avdalas, Hammond, Johnson, Lawal and Hansberry.
Young was frustrated with Tech’s turnover issues last season, but doesn’t believe that will be an issue this year because of Hammond and Avdalas. Young praised Hammond’s growth from year one to year two.
Speaking of Avdalas, Young couldn’t contain his excitement for the freshman playmaker from Greece. Young said Avdalas has as much “sheer basketball talent” as any player he has ever coached.
You think Young is excited?
The Hokies will take the court in less than 30 days. Excitement is at an all-time high in Blacksburg, and Young isn’t backing down from the hype.
