It has been well over a month since the basketball Transfer Portal opened and closed. With that came more change for Virginia Tech and head coach Mike Young. For the second time in three years, the veteran coach saw a mass exodus out of Blacksburg.
However, this time around, unlike two years ago, the Hokies had some key retention, thanks to NIL. Young and his staff clearly prioritized three players and the three correct players for retention: guard Ben Hammond and forwards Amani Hansberry and Tyler Johnson. Heck, even assistant coach Chester Frazier is also returning.
This portal cycle, Young was more aggressive in terms of attacking the portal and went after older players and struck some gold. He also attacked a position of need in terms of adding much more depth for 2026-27. His latest addition compounds Young's attack on the portal over the last month.
Virginia Tech men's basketball picks up another Transfer Portal commitment
Clearly, last season, the Hokies lacked depth in the backcourt. Hammond took over primary point guard responsibilities as Neoklis Avdalas struggled once ACC play began. Back court depth appears it won't be an issue next season. On Tuesday, Virginia Tech and Young picked up a commitment from Stetson transfer Ethan Copeland.
NEWS: Stetson transfer Ethan Copeland has announced he’s committed to Virginia Tech.
— Sam Kayser (@KayserHoops) May 19, 2026
The 6-foot-2 guard out of Sunnyside, Washington averaged 15.0PPG, 3.7RPG, 2.1APG and 1.5SPG this season while shooting 43% from 3. https://t.co/xUJBNZdnQO pic.twitter.com/kEWWuOrMKy
The 6-foot-2 guard from Sunnyside, Washington, has one year of eligibility remaining. This past season for Stetson, Copeland averaged 15 points for the Hatters, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals a night. He eclipsed 20 points nine times, and he scored 22 points in a 69-60 ASUN Tournament loss to Austin Peay in March. Copeland shot 44.1% from the field 43% from behind the arc.
Copeland joins a growing portal class that includes Oklahoma transfer Kuol Atak, Isaiah Elohim from Florida Atlantic, and Jaylen Curry from Oklahoma State in the backcourt. The roster for the Hokies is rounding into form, and Copeland might be the final major addition from Young, but never say never, what might come out of nowhere this time of the year.
Add us as a preferred source on Google