The Blue Devils are the clear favorite in the ACC this season; however, the race for second place looks to be one of the tightest in recent memory. One team that should definitely be in the running is Virginia Tech.
The Hokies are ranked No. 21 in the preseason AP poll, marking their first appearance in the preseason AP top 25 since the 1995-96 season. Also, Virginia Tech is No. 2 in the ACC preseason rankings, the Hokies’ highest selection ever in the preseason poll.
Perhaps the most important move this offseason was bringing back Malcolm Delaney, a consensus all-ACC player this season. Delaney, who led the team in scoring at 20.2 points per game, and also led the team in assists, had declared for the NBA draft initially, but decided to return to college for a shot at the NCAA Tournament. With his return, Virginia Tech could potentially have an all-senior starting lineup this season. Joining Delaney will be guard Dorenzo Hudson and a strong interior presence in Jeff Allen and, who both averaged double figures last season, as well as solid role players in Victor Davila and Terrell Bell.
A knock on this team has been the lack of postseason experience. But after a disappointing outcome last season, when the team failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, several players believe the experience motivated them.
“We’ve been through a lot,” Delaney said. “Once you look at what we’ve overcome and all that stuff, it makes you a stronger team. A lot of teams don’t get to go through that kind of stuff, so we’ve kind of got an advantage.”
One thing’s for sure: This team is poised to make a postseason run when March rolls around.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.