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Last Season Record: 13-19 (4-14)
Preseason ACC Media Poll: 15th
Projected Starters:
Marquis Rankin, G, Junior
Adam Smith, G, Sophomore
Jarrell Eddie, F, Senior
C.J. Barksdale, F, Junior
Cadarian Raines, F, Senior
Key Reserves:
Marshall Wood, G, Sophomore
Trevor Thompson, F, Freshman
Ben Emelogu, G, Freshman
Maurice Kirby, C, Freshman
Devin Wilson, G, Freshman
Malik Mueller, G, Freshman
The Hokies were not good last year. They basically played no defense. They couldn't rebound, they didn't shoot the ball particularly well, especially from behind the 3 point line. They only thing that made them even remotely successful last year was ACC Player of the Year Erick Green. Green led the team with 25 points per game, and was their leader in assists and steals. He also threw in 4 rebounds per game as a 6'3" SG.
Green is gone. The Hokies brought in a big freshman class, but none of them are even remotely capable of replacing Green's production. The top remaining player is Eddie, who averaged 12 points per game last year. He wasn't particularly efficient though, shooting under 40% on the season. Almost half of his shots were from behind the 3 point line, and that will change with Green not around to dominate the ball.
Rankin started 7 games last year, and is a PG, but last year Green was essentially ran the offene. Rankin will have to prove that he can handle the position. And there isn't much behind him, as Adam Smith and Devin Wilson are really more combo-guards than true point guards. Wood shot just 24% on his 3 pointers, which sadly was basically his entire role. He'll have to do better this year. Walk-on Will Johnston is a good shooter, and will see his minutes increase.
Raines and Barksdale could make a solid interior combination. Both are good rebounders and Raines is a good shot blocker. Thompson is raw but uber-athletic and will get a lot of minutes.
Giveaway!
We're looking for the best .gif you've got to sum up the Hokies' upcoming season. Just post it in the comments below. The one with the most "Recs" by midnight tonight will take home a Keep Calm & Streak The Lawn t-shirt!
This team managed just 4 conference wins with one of the best players in the nation last year. Green is gone, and there isn't anybody near ready to pick up the slack. The Hokies could well go winless in the conference, although odds are they'll pull out a game or two at home.