Virginia Tech Men's Basketball: VCU transfer's career night fuels season-opening win

For the first time in a long time, there are a TON of questions entering a new Virginia Tech men's basketball season. After a massive roster overhaul with players leaving through the transfer portal and players coming in from the portal. It's like starting brand new.

As expected, there were some good moments and some not-so-good moments for the Hokies in the season opener at Cassell Coliseum Monday night against Delaware State. In the end, the Hokies' defense was strong in the second half in an 83-60 win over the Hornets. Here are some observations from the win.

Observations from Virginia Tech's men's basketball win over Delaware State

• One thing was clear and clear early, this Virginia Tech roster is filled with athleticism. Led by VCU transfer Toibu Lawal, who is going to have some impressive blocks, to some of the freshmen. Mike Young certainly got some athletes over the offseason. Lawal had a career-high 22 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of blocks. He's going to be fun to watch.
• If there is one thing that is going to happen a lot this year is that the Hokies are going to go through some scoring droughts shooting the ball. In the second half, they went over eight minutes without a field goal, doing their damage during that time from the free throw line.
• Dismissing Hysier Miller a couple of weeks ago was huge in terms of point guard play and against the Hornets, Virginia Tech turned the ball over 16 times and that number will likely go up as the season goes along.
• Despite some scoring droughts in the game, the Hokies' defense was tough all night in keeping Delaware State at bay. That end of the floor is going to have to be Tech's calling card in 2024-25.
• Mylyjael Poteat entered the portal last season, but three days later he withdrew and returned to Young. He lost weight over the summer and he looked good and a force in the middle against the Hornets. He finished with 14 points, five boards, and five assists.
• Jaydon Young is going to get a lot more playing time this season and he had 10 points while Duke transfer Jadan Schutt was in foul trouble but finished with nine points on three 3-pointers.

Virginia Tech returns to action on Friday night at home when they welcome USC Upstate, which opened their season with a 97-66 loss at North Carolina State Monday night.