On Sunday afternoon, it was reported that Greek star Neoklis Avdalas was going to withdraw from the NBA Draft, and that was big news for Virginia Tech. Why? Well, because it wasn't too long ago that he visited Blacksburg and gave a verbal commitment to the Hokies should he withdraw from the draft.
After the report surfaced on Sunday, it was a step closer to the Hokies landing one of the most impactful incoming freshmen the program has had in a long time. The only question was whether or not another school was going to jump in and try to get Avdalas to flip his commitment with a bag of money. Less than 24 hours after the report surfaced that Avdalas was going to withdraw from the NBA Draft process, he officially signed with Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech get Neoklis Avdalas signed on Monday
Monday afternoon, the Virginia Tech men's basketball account posted on X that Avdalas was officially signed for the 2025-26 season in Blacksburg. This is a significant addition to the roster for Mike Young, and in the end, he could end up being the biggest addition of any of the freshmen coming in or transfer portal players coming in.
Opinions will differ on just who the best incoming freshmen has been in program history, but Avdalas quickly moves up to the top of the list, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker also at the top of that list. During the NBA Draft process, Avdalas, who averaged 8,1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last season in Greece, was a projected second-round pick in this month's draft, but after a year in college, he could very well move up to a first-round pick in 2026.
Virginia Tech and Mike Young have been cooking this offseason with additions, and it shouldn't be surprising to see them in the NCAA Tournament next March.