It has been a couple of weeks since a frustrating 2025-26 men's basketball season ended for Virginia Tech. A season filled with so much hope and promise ended at 19-13 overall and another first-round exit in the ACC Tournament, this time at the hands of Wake Forest.
After going 11-2 in the non-conference schedule, the Hokeis went 8-10 in ACC play and lost a handful of games in gut-wrenching fashion. You tell the frustration was taking its toll on not only head coach Mike Young, but also the players.
After the team returned from Charlotte after being bounced from the conference tourney by the Demon Deacons, the Hokies announced on their X account that they were not going to accept an NIT bid and end their season. If we're being honest, it's the perfect way to end what was a frustrating winter in Blacksburg.
Normally, the Transfer Portal would have opened by now, but the NCAA has moved it back to the day after the National Championship Game, which is Monday night. Some members of the Hokies' 2025-26 roster are reportedly entering the Transfer Portal, with Neoklis Avdalas and Izaiah Pasha. On Tuesday, the Hokies are taking a third hit with a promising freshman jumping ship as well.
Virginia Tech center Christian Gurdak entering Transfer Portal
According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, freshman center Christian Gurdak is entering the Transfer Portal when it opens next week. Paul VI and Gonzaga standout averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds a game this season.
This is a big loss for Young and Virginia Tech. Avdalas didn't seem like a fit for the program, but Gurdak certainly did. He was projected to start next year, and now Young and his staff will have to replace Gurdak and senior Tobi Lawal. The hits are not done, as there are likely going to be more players heading out through the portal before all is said and done.