Satchel Pierce Commits to Virginia Tech
By Tim Thomas
Feb 11, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Buzz Williams questions a call during the second half of game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center. Marquette Golden Eagles defeat the Seton Hall Pirates 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Buzz Williams has been active in pursuing recruits as he looks to rebuild Virginia Tech as quickly as possible and take the program to the next level also. Virginia Tech’s recruiting had been solid previously but Buzz Williams came in and having an ace recruiter like Williams made people wonder how well could he do at Virginia Tech? The Hokies were looking for some frontcourt depth after Trevor Thompson announced his decision to transfer, leaving a starting spot open for a recruit to come in and compete for.
Satchel Pierce was a Marquette commit and just like Ahmed Hill, Pierece decided to open his recruitment back up though Pierce hadn’t signed a National Letter of Intent and didn’t need Marquette to release him from one. Now, Buzz Williams has got the 7-foot 250lbs center to join him in Blacksburg as Satchel Pierce announced his decision to commit to the Hokies along with Ahmed Hill today. Buzz Williams needed to find a quality big man and the three-star Pierce who is seen as the 24th best center by 247 Sports Composite rankings and the 41st best center by ESPN. Pierce is the fourth commit for the Hokies and gives Virginia Tech a class that is now ranked 29th by 247 Sports.
Satchel Pierce gives the Hokies the big man that they were looking and a true center that can allow Joey Van Zegeren to play more at power forward in the long run. Pierce will definitely have the opportunity to earn some playing time as a freshman and possibly a starting job though Van Zegeren has the versatility to play at center som to open up a spot at power forward for someone like C.J. Barksdale or Marshall Wood. Pierce is another strong addition for Virginia Tech as Buzz Williams is building a strong Class of 2014 with a mix of guys he recruited to Marquette along with longstanding Hokie commits Justin Bibbs and Jalen Hudson.
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