Three Reasons Why Virginia Tech is the Best Men’s Basketball Job Available

Jan 29, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Whit Babcock speaks as President Charles Steger is in the background during a press conference to introduce new Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Athletic Director Whit Babcock and the Virginia Tech Hokies have just started their search for the replacement for James Johnson and very few rumors have circulated about who Babcock has at the top of his list. John Feinstein on DC Radio this morning said that the Hokies are pushing for Buzz Williams but let’s be realistic, Williams is unlikely to leave Marquette though you never know sometimes. Bruce Pearl proved that by going to Auburn after the Tigers were a big reason behind his suspension a few years ago.

Virginia Tech has been shown not too much respect in their search for a new coach with the Hokies not looking like a premier job after how James Johnson lasted only two years. However, Babcock is a guy that is committed to winning and there are plenty of reasons why Virginia Tech is for now, the best job available. Here is just three of those reasons why the Hokies are the best opening on the market.

Mar 12, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Devin Wilson (11) moves the ball around past Miami Hurricanes center Tonye Jekiri (23) and guard Garrius Adams (25) during the first round of the ACC Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tons of Young Talent

When the Virginia Tech Hokies had their best starting lineup, it included three freshmen, a redshirt sophomore, and a senior. Devin Wilson was an All-ACC point guard and he is they type of ball distributor that any coach would love to have at the point. Wilson also has shown a lot of toughness and an ability to attack the basket and set up himself or someone else to get some easy points.

Trevor Thompson and Joey Van Zegeren have developed into one of the best young duos of post players in the country with both having huge ceilings. The Hokies also have a quality young sharp shooter and leader in Ben Emelogu who showed his leadership from being the Hokies’ captain as a true freshman. This is a very talented young team that a quality coach could definitely take to the NCAA Tournament.

2. Strong Recruiting Class

James Johnson did a very solid job in recruiting and the Class of 2014 has some impact players for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Justin Bibbs has the talent to come in and immediately take Jarell Eddie’s starting spot due to his ability to be a featured scorer. Bibbs also knows how to get to the basket and make plays all over the floor to really help his team. Jalen Hudson has the talent to be a quality starter in the long run and get a lot of early playing time while T.J. Lang is a developmental guy that can become a quality sixth man behind Bibbs.

3. An Athletic Director committed to winning.

Whit Babcock has the goal of trying to make Virginia Tech athletics the strongest in all of the country and his passion has already shown. Babcock understands that he needs to get this hiring right and he wants the Hokies to become championship contenders instead of being a team that is on the NCAA Tournament bubble year after year. Babcock wants to win more than most athletic directors and any coach should want to work for an athletic director like that.

Follow us on Twitter @GobblerFighting and sign up for our newsletter for the latest news and analysis on the Hokies.