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3-Star Forward PJ Horne Signs With Virginia Tech

By Mike McDaniel

Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Buzz Williams yells instructions to his team against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Wisconsin won 84-74. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Buzz Williams yells instructions to his team against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Wisconsin won 84-74. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buzz Williams put the finishing touches on his 2017 recruiting class on Wednesday, as forward PJ Horne signed with the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies enjoyed their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007 this past season, completing their year with a 22-10 record with a 10-8 mark in the ACC before ultimately falling to the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA Tournament First Round.

Now, as Buzz Williams prepares for his fourth season as a head coach in Blacksburg, he hopes the recruiting momentum remains strong so that the program can continue on its upward trajectory. Wednesday was college basketball’s Spring Signing Day, and with that came the official commitment of forward PJ Horne.

Horne is a 6’6″, 220 lbs. forward out of Tifton, Georgia, and is a 3-star prospect according to 247Sports. He hails from the same high school as rising redshirt-freshman guard Tyrie Jackson, who committed to the Hokies last season.

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Horne is the third official member of the 2017 recruiting class, joining guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Wabissa Bede.

Horne should provide immediate wing depth for the Hokies, as he will likely slot in at the three behind Chris Clarke. With Clarke’s injury history over his first couple of seasons, it is good to have Horne enter into the fold as an insurance policy for a worst-case scenario of Clarke missing significant time once again next year.

In a more likely scenario, Horne will be eased into the mix next season, splitting minutes with Ty Outlaw off the bench behind Clarke if he is healthy.

The official signing of Horne propels Virginia Tech’s 2017 recruiting class into the nation’s top 20, according to 247Sports. The Hokies sit at number 16 currently, which if it holds, would be the highest-ranked class since Buzz Williams arrived in Blacksburg.