Virginia Tech Basketball: Hokies see big jump in NET ranking

Last week, the Virginia Tech men’s basketball NET ranking was, well, not good. The Hokies were 74th, but what a difference a week makes for Mike Young’s team.

Virginia Tech men’s basketball NET ranking spikes

Monday, the Virginia Tech NET ranking soared to No. 58 and cracked the Top 60. A reminder of what the NET ranking is and used for. It’s the “new RPI” and a determiner in which teams make the NCAA Tournament field at the end of the season.

Since the last ranking, the Hokies beat Valparaiso, 71-50, at Cassell Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. Virginia Tech won the game without starting point guard Sean Pedulla who was inured late in an ACC opening win over Louisville on Dec. 3. On the Cardinals’ final possession, Pedulla ran into a backscreen and turned his ankle. Saturday, he was seen on the bench in a walking boot, but there is hope that the junior returns this upcoming Saturday. Freshman Brandon Rechsteiner started against Valpo in place of Pedulla.

“Pedulla is going to be fine. I feel certain that he’ll be back on Saturday (vs. Vermont). I hope so,” said Young. “He got hurt on the last play of the Louisville game. The absolute last play. (Brandon) Huntley-Hatfield set a backscreen on him at midcourt and he’s twisted a little bit. It’s a sprain, it’s at the bottom of his foot. He’s got a little pain below, no swelling.”

There is no need to rush him back, however, if he’s able to return against Vermont on Saturday afternoon, then they should welcome him back with open arms. If he can’t, it’s going to make it tougher against the Catamounts, but it will give Young and his staff another opportunity to work with different combinations that they might need at some point once conference play begins.