For the second consecutive off-season, Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Mike Young is undergoing a transfer portal overhaul. Several players have entered the portal, and the Hokies have had some commitments for the 2025-26 season.
This portal cycle, however, compared to this time last season, has been better in terms of retention for Young and his staff. Some key underclassmen who had breakout seasons have decided to stay and run it back in Blacksburg, while one, Tobi Lawal, has entered the NBA Draft process, but left the door open to return to college, and if so, will do so with Virginia Tech. Some key underclassmen are returning, and here are some that could take a leap next season.
Ben Hammond
Last spring, Young and the Hokies picked up a huge commitment in the Class of 2024 when Ben Hammond de-committed from Rhode Island and landed in Blacksburg. Brandon Rechsteiner began the season running the point after Temple transfer Hysier Miller was dismissed from the team, but by the New Year, Hammond was poised to run the point for the Hokies.
The numbers from this past season for the Fairfax native are not going to jump off the screen at you, but it was more than the numbers for Hammond that impressed. His ability to run the point with poise against some tough ACC defenders and his defense were what stood out. He shot the ball better as the season went along, and he recovered from an injury, and with a full off-season in Blacksburg, he is poised to have a breakout season next winter.
Jaden Schutt
Last May, Young picked up a key portal commitment from Jaden Schutt from Duke. His time in Durham was hampered by injuries, and he never got his footing on the ground. A highly-regarded shooter out of high school, he showed flashes at Virginia Tech.
However, as shooters often do, he went through slumps, but like Hammond, he was bothered by an injury as the season went along. This was his first full college basketball season, and it wasn’t surprising to see him struggle shooting, but like Hammond, a full off-season with Young and the coaching staff could do wonders for him next season. If he stays healthy, he could be one of the better shooters in the ACC.
Tyler Johnson
Another freshman who cracked the Hokies' starting lineup this past season was Tyler Johnson. Like Hammond and Schutt, he was a key player retained in this transfer portal cycle giving Young a player who can make an impact at both ends of the floor.
He showed last season that he was not afraid to go down low and battle for rebounds both offensively and defensively, and his offensive game is poised to break out next season. Like the two teammates above him, a full off-season with Virginia Tech will do him wonders.