For the second time in 12 months, the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team suffered a key roster loss right before the start of the season. Last season, guard Rodney Rice left the program in mid-October before the 2023-24 season started and Wednesday, Temple transfer Hysier Miller was dismissed from the program for something at his previous school.
Rice left on his own and will suit up for the University of Maryland this season, while Miller, who is a senior, was dismissed from the program, something rarely done this late in the game before a new season tips off. Now, for a second year in a row, the Hokies and head coach Mike Young are facing a disadvantage before the season begins.
Virginia Tech facing roster shortage ahead of 2024-25 season
Dismissing Miller was a move that needed to happen, but for a second straight year, the Hokies began the season one player short in the backcourt. Last season after losing Rice, Virginia Tech had Sean Pedulla who ended up having more of a weight on his shoulders. At times, he struggled last season and turned the ball over and it affected his all-around game, forcing Young to defend his point guard at one point in the season.
This season, however, Young and his staff don’t have the option of a player like Pedulla, who transferred to Ole Miss last spring, and will put the ball in the hands of sophomore Brendon Rechsteiner and true freshman Ben Hammond. Look for teams to pressure both players early and often.
You have to think that Young knew about Miller’s background and that something like this might end up happening at some point. Again, you hope he knew and it would be surprising if he didn’t, but now for a second straight season Virginia Tech begins the season one key roster player and position short, a trend that needs to end in the future.