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Virginia Tech basketball: Players To Watch in March Madness

By Geoffrey Godfrey

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 05: A cheerleader runs a flag for the Virginia Tech Hokies across the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 05: A cheerleader runs a flag for the Virginia Tech Hokies across the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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While Aluma has the best stat sheet of the three, he will need to show that he can be solid in the paint type defender at the low-end weight for his size coming in at just 235lbs.

Looking forward to the next level, we could see a position switch in his future.

As you look towards the tournament and what we could see out of the high-producing Aluma, we can find some nuggets in previous games about what to expect. He has shown talent all year long to be able to take over games and put the team on his back.

Aluma has four-games over 20 points including two high-flying efforts of 30 and 29 points, which were in back-to-back games against the disgusting University of Virginia and Pitt. When playing over the last eight games, he has five games with a double-double. Over the entire season, we have only seen Aluma drop below double-digit points in just three games.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – JANUARY 06: Keve Aluma #22 of the Virginia Tech Hokies shoots the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on January 06, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – JANUARY 06: Keve Aluma #22 of the Virginia Tech Hokies shoots the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on January 06, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

When we talk about shooting he’s been quite effective the entire year over 75% from the stripe, and 50% from the field. Just 31% from deep, should be a concern, only for one reason. This is now the next level, teams know he’s not a threat from three and would leave him open in any play where he’s behind the arc.

If Aluma can keep this going and continue on this double-double pace into March, he will be an elite threat to take over any game Tech plays in. This is our top-player to watch not only to see if we can take over the tourney but also for NBA draft prospects.

Aluma has the best chance to play at the highest level during the tournament, but also at the next level in the NBA. His game will transition well to the next level, and having a double-double machine should make him an easy fit for any team needing a two-way player.