The 2024-25 season was a tough one for Virginia Tech men's basketball coach Mike Young. Ok, so tough might be an understatement given how things went for the Hokies on what seemed like a nightly basis.
Virginia Tech finished 13-19 after being eliminated in the first round of the ACC Tournament in March in overtime. They went 8-12 in conference play, and truth be told, that was better than a lot of people thought after a struggle through their early-season non-conference schedule that ended by being blown out by 20 points at Saint Joseph's.
After Cal bounced the Hokies in Charlotte, the veteran coach looked frustrated and vowed that when the Hokies took the floor in 2025-26, they would be better. It started with a massive roster overhaul with the Transfer Portal and bringing in Chester Frazier as an assistant coach.
Then they struck gold in the spring when they got a commitment from NBA Draft prospect Neoklis Avdalas and honored his verbal commitment after he withdrew from the NBA Draft and signed. Getting Tobi Lawal back, as well, from the NBA Draft process also helped.
After beating Saint Joseph's by 35 points on Wednesday night at home, the Hokies improved to 3-0 early in the season. There is still a lot of basketball left this season, but so far, Young is feeling a lot better now than he did at any point last season. He was asked if he felt better than he did last year, and he quickly responded without mincing words.
"I feel like a million dollars, compared to what I felt like last year,'' said Young.
Virginia Tech NIL commitment paying off for Mike Young
Before the ACC Tournament began back in March, there were reports that Young was getting a bigger and better NIL package. That has certainly helped, but just better overall basketball players have helped as well. One thing to take away early from the season is the way they spread the ball around, and they had six players finish in double figures against Saint Joseph's.
Again, there is still a lot of basketball left this season, but so far, so good for the Hokies, and Young looks like he's having fun. He did an outstanding job last year with a team that was frustrating on most nights, but with more talent, he could really enjoy this year a lot.