When Neoklis Avdalas gave his verbal commitment to Mike Young and Virginia Tech back in the spring, it seemed too good to be true. However, it came with some patience as the star from Greece made his visit to Blacksburg on his way to take part in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
The verbal commitment meant that if Avdalas withdrew from the NBA Draft process that he would likely play for the Hokies in 2025-26. He ended up withdrawing from the Draft process and signed with Virginia Tech officially. He instantly becomes one of the highest-rated recruits to ever sign in Blacksburg. Now, the biggest news since he signed became official on Tuesday.
CBS Sports CBB insider reports Neoklis Avdalas has been cleared for the 2025-26 season
On Tuesday morning, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported that Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young told him that the NCAA has fully cleared Avdalas, who recently got a five-star ranking from 247Sports, to play this upcoming winter, in what has suddenly turned into an exciting season in Blacksburg, with hype and hope.
Virginia Tech freshman Neoklis Avdalas has been fully cleared by the NCAA for the 2025-26 college basketball season, per Mike Young.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 19, 2025
The 6-8 Avdalas will be a major part of the Hokies' rebuilding efforts in Blacksburg.
After a frustrating 13-19 season last winter, Young is hoping to fast-track a turnaround for the Hokies this season. Getting Avdalas is a huge start for the veteran coach, who also got Tobi Lawal to return after he also withdrew from the NBA Draft process. Avdalas and Lawal can pose a duo that can make it difficult for teams to defend Virginia Tech at times.
Lawal is back after a historic quote following the Hokies' elimination from the ACC Tournament, and to be honest, he wasn't wrong. Since that quote, Virginia Tech has added both Avdalas and Lawal back, brought in some promising freshmen, some key Transfer Portal additions, along some retention from key players from last season's team. It was only a matter of time before Avdalas was officially cleared, and now that he is, let the excitement for the 2025-26 season grow.