Now that Michigan won the National Championship on Monday night over UConn, 69-63, the craziness of the Transfer Portal opened at midnight after the game. It has been pushed back a couple of weeks from previous seasons.
As far as Virginia Tech men's coach Mike Young goes, there are multiple needs he has for next season. He lost guard Neoklis Avdalas and center Christian Gurdak already. Also gone is Tobi Lawal after he used up all of his eligibility. All three losses are going to be tough to replace.
One area where an addition or two is needed is in the middle with a true center or forward. Preferably, a true center or two would be ideal for Virginia Tech staff to target this spring.
Virginia Tech can't lack center presence anymore
As you saw with Michigan, having a strong presence in the middle is key. I'm not saying that the Hokies are going to win the National Championship next season or even make the NCAA Tournament, but a presence in the middle is needed.
Lawal was a forward who played the position at times. His athletic ability was through the roof and allowed him to survive the middle. However, Gurdak emerged as a presence in the middle and played a lot of key minutes. He was a good rebounder and had the ability to finish around the basket and make free throws. That's a combination that is tough to find these days.
Right now, Antonio Dorn is the only returning player with any center experience. That isn't much experience either. He played in 24 games, averaging 8.5 minutes a game, 2.6 points, and 1.8 rebounds. Gurdak averaged 17 minutes, 5.6 points, and 4.4 rebounds. The split is night and day. However, he entered the portal on Tuesday morning.
Amani Hansberry is coming back, it was announced on Monday night, but Dorn could still leave after the portal opens. Regardless, center is a position that needs to be addressed for the rigors of the ACC. If it isn't, then it could be a long winter next season. The need is obvious, and addressing it is a must this spring.