Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball: 3 predictions & games to watch
By Scott Roche
![Mar 8, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Sean Pedulla (3) shoots as North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Casey Morsell (14) defends in the first half of the second round at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Mar 8, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Sean Pedulla (3) shoots as North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Casey Morsell (14) defends in the first half of the second round at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/481ceec8ce85766eae03bc3bacc7c568ca0f4bcf66a0997ac6d49b2c921a887a.jpg)
Before the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team begins the 2023-24 season, they were already dealt a blow when guard Rodney Rice decided to leave the program just 12 days ago. It’s a big loss to head coach Mike Young and his staff before the season even begins.
The Hokies begin the season tonight (Nov. 6) against Coppin State at 8 p.m. in the second game of a doubleheader after the. women begin their season against High Point at 5 p.m. Young and his team will be looking to erase the bad memories of a 9-11 ACC season 2022-23 that cost them a trip to the NCAA Tournament, having to settle for an NIT bid.
Here a three predictions and games to watch for the 2023-24 Virginia Tech men’s season.
1st prediction: Virginia Tech returns to the NCAA Tournament
Losing Rice is a big loss, but the Hokies are a team that had a long offseason with the bad taste in their mouth about slipping in the second half of the season and having to settle for an NIT bid and first-round loss at Cincinnati.
Sean Pedulla and Hunter Cattoor return to lead Virginia Tech and three transfers Robbie Beran, Mekhi Long, and Tyler Nickel should play a big part this season. What would help the Hokies is if Pedulla could take his game to another level as he is one of the better guards in the ACC and can fill the basket up on a nightly basis.
Success in the non-conference schedule will be vital to set the tone before ACC play begins in December.