The hype for Virginia Tech freshman guard Neoklis Avdalas reached epic proportions before he ever arrived in Blacksburg. It’s not often the Hokies land a five-star prospect — in any sport. Yet, here was Avdalas, the 6-foot-9 sensation from Greece, was bypassing a chance to picked in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, to go to college — at Virginia Tech.
Avdalas, 19, played professionally in Greece for four years before enrolling at Virginia Tech, and was often compared to Lakers star Luka Doncic.
While no one said Avdalas was the next Doncic, there were resemblances, such as his court vision, unselfishness and passing ability.
The hype train intensified in Virginia Tech’s November win over Providence, when Avdalas had 33 points, six assists and five rebounds. However, since ACC play began on New Year’s Eve against Virginia, Avdalas has made only 34 of his 114 field-goal attempts. That is a shooting percentage of 29.8%. From 3-point range, since December 31, Avdalas has made only 9 of his 52 attempts, which is 17%.
What’s happened with Avdalas?
From watching him play each game, it’s clear he’s pressing. The pressure appears to have gotten to him a bit. In last Saturday’s loss to No. 4 Duke, Avdalas drove to the lane and barely touched the rim on a 12-foot jumper. Fans in Cassell Coliseum booed Avdalas. It impacted him. You could see it on his face. After the game, head coach Mike Young made it clear how much the team believes in Avdalas.
“We’ve all seen the kid be really, really good,“ Young said. ”And he’s in a dark place here a bit. He’s still passing the ball great. Still in some very good places offensively. His passing and his ball handling are terrific. We’ll get through it with him.“
Young is correct. Avdalas is in a dark place, and he’s still doing other things well. Outside of a couple of games, he doesn’t turn the ball over often.
Not only does Young and Virginia Tech’s coaching staff have Avdalas’ back, so do his teammates. Junior forward Amani Hansberry, who is having an All-ACC-caliber season, had the following to say about Neo.
That’s leadership.
The Hokies are currently 16-7 and 5-5 in ACC play. They have eight games remaining. VT is currently considered one of the last four in, according to Joe Lunardi. Tech can play its way into the NCAA Tournament by finishing strong, with opponents such as N.C. State, Clemson, Virginia, North Carolina and Miami. Pick up a couple of those wins, and there will be no questions. The good news is sophomore guard Tyler Johnson will return for Saturday’s game against the Wolfpack.
As for Avdalas, the Hokies need him. If he can knock a few shots down, no one will remember his difficult January. Regardless of what some fans think, Virginia Tech is at its best when Avdalas is playing well and on the floor. Young wants and hopes Avdalas will shoot himself out of his current funk. All it takes is one game.
