ACC Preview: #6 Virginia Tech Hokies

Projected Starters
C-Robert Krabbendam 7'0 245 SO- Redshirted
PF-Coleman Collins 6'9 230 SR- 14.5ppg 6.8rpg 51%FG 67%FT
SF-Deron Washington 6'7 205 JR- 10.5ppg 5.0rpg 1.5stl 49%FG
SG-Zabian Dowdell 6'3 200 SR- 15.3ppg 3.4apg 2.2stl 42%FG 36%3pt
PG-Jamon Gordon 6'2 210 SR- 11.4ppg 6.0rpg 4.4apg 2.0stl 46%FG

Background
Virginia Tech had a disappointing campaign last season, so it’s the perfect time for Seth Greenberg to return all five starters. They might be the most balanced team in the ACC this year in terms of scoring distribution and solid depth in both the frontcourt and backcourt. Tech has 5-6 players they can depend on to make a basket at the end of the game, a huge luxury for a team attempting to compete in the ACC with less recruiting advantages than, say, Duke or North Carolina.

Premiere Players
Zabian Dowdell is the straw that stirs the drink for Virginia Tech. The team depends on his shot late in the second half, and he usually delivers. He has one of the most versatile games in the ACC- cut to the basket and score on the dribble, find an open look without the ball and nail a jumper, find his way to the free throw line to convert there- he always seems to invent new ways to score. Also starring is big 6’9 power forward Coleman Collins who is one third of the enormous frontcourt for Virginia Tech. For a man of his stature, opposing defenses always have to be aware of his lethal mid-range jumper. His game under the basket is developing to be even more of a threat, as well. His rebounding and defense rivals any power forward in the ACC, and that includes Josh McRoberts and Tyler Hansbrough. Another key star for the Hokies is point guard Jamon Gordon. He runs all point guard duties and is very good at getting the ball down the court and finishing in transition. The scoring can sometimes be inconsistent, but Gordon makes up for it with strong rebounding for a point guard (6.0 RPG).

Role Players
As if a double digit scorer for the sixth ranked team in the ACC can be a role player. But we have one for this Tech team- small forward Deron Washington. Washington has the tools to be an NBA prospect, as his overall athleticism would make NBA scouts drool. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to put all the pieces together. His jump shot lacks consistency, but he finds ways to make shots in the paint at a high percentage. His swiping ability also feeds into Gordon’s love of running out in transition and getting more easy layups. The first man off the bench for Tech is A.D. Vassalo, who will give Washington a breather. Vassalo can create his own shot more often. The recruiting class is led by two top 75 recruits in guards Nigel Munson and Tyrone Appleton. Munson will undoubtedly inherit the offense next season and will likely emerge as the top overall point guard in the ACC in terms of handling the offense by his senior season. Appleton is very athletic and can finish strong around the basket with ease.

Final Thoughts
I really don’t see any way this Virginia Tech team, with how balanced they are across the board, can finish any lower than seventh. They’ve got the scorers, the rebounding and shot-blocking capabilities and some solid defensive game-changers. With Tech dealing with a tumultuous 2005-06 season, look for Greenberg to use this as motivation heading into this year. The Hokies will make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in forever.

Schedule and Projection
11/10 vs. Coppin State- W
11/14 vs. West Florida- W
11/23 (N) vs. Western Michigan- W
11/24 (N) vs. West Virginia (likely)- W
11/26 (N) vs. Southern Illinois (likely)- W
11/29 vs. Iowa- W
12/3 @ George Washington- W
12/6 vs. Old Dominion- W
12/10 vs. Appalachian State- W
12/17 vs. Wake Forest- W
12/21 (N) vs. Seton Hall- W
12/23 vs. Campbell- W
12/30 @ Marshall- W
1/3 vs. Richmond- W
1/6 @ Duke- L
1/10 @ UNC-Greensboro- W
1/13 vs. North Carolina- L
1/17 @ Florida State- L
1/21 vs. Maryland- W
1/23 @ Miami- W
1/28 @ Georgia Tech- L
1/31 vs. NC State- W
2/3 @ Boston College- L
2/10 vs. Virginia- W
2/13 @ North Carolina- L
2/18 @ NC State- W
2/21 vs. Boston College- W
2/24 vs. Miami- W
3/1 @ Virginia- L
3/4 vs. Clemson- W

Projected Record: 23-7 (9-7)