Wahoo Wire

With basketball season gearing up, Wahoo Wire will be previewing each ACC team.

Virginia Tech

2009 Record: 25-9

ACC Record: 10-6

Projected Starters:

F – Terell Bell (6-6, Sr.)

F – Jeff Allen (6-7, Sr.)

C – Victor Davila (6-8, Jr.)

G – Malcolm Delaney (6-3, Sr.)

G – Dorenzo Hudson (6-5, Sr.)

Strengths:

Virginia Tech returns all five starters from last year. Malcolm Delaney decided to return for his senior season, and was the ACC’s leading scorer last year with 20.2 ppg.  The 2009-2010 campaign was also Dorenzo Hudson’s breakout year, who averaged 15.2 ppg, a 10.6 ppg increase from his sophomore season. Down in the paint, the Hokies have a double-double threat every game with Jeff Allen. Veteran experience should serve Tech well this year, and their explosive offense is more than capable of putting up points.

Weaknesses:

The lack of size down low is a concern for the Hokies. Teams with prototypical centers can easily look to pound the paint against the Hokie defense. Tech’s bench has taken a big hit this year, as JT Thompson and Florida transfer Allan Chaney will both be out of action for the entire season. Lack of leadership is also a concern. While Malcolm Delaney lights up the score sheet almost every game, but has yet to prove himself as a leader, a role he is going to have to embrace in order to lead the Hokies farther than the NIT.

Conclusion:

Virginia Tech starts the season ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25, their highest preseason ranking since the 1984-85 season. They were also dubbed by the media as the ACC’s No.2 team in the preseason, behind Duke. Expectations are high for this team and they certainly have a lot to live up to. However, with a core group of seniors returning, the Hokies have one of the most experienced teams in the ACC. Coach Seth Greenberg will not have to plead his case for a tournament bid this year, as the Hokies should make it to the Big Dance.

• Boston College
• Clemson
• Duke
• Florida State
• Georgia Tech
• Miami
• Maryland
• North Carolina
• NC State
• Virginia
• Wake Forest