Virginia Tech Basketball: Guard Evolution Key

0:00On April 30, Virginia Tech men's basketball is facing another off-season shakeup, just like last year. The 20-26-27 roster brings back only five players, with four having real college game time under their belts. That's been Hammond leading the guards, a Monty Hansberry up front, Tyler Johnson as the versatile wing, plus sincere Jones and Solomon Davis with, limited minutes. Hammond's the guy they need to step up big as a junior. He struggled early, like going scoreless on nine shots against NC State back in February. But he bounced back strong, dropping double digits in his last eight games, including 23 points to close out against Wake Forest. Consistency could make him all ACC material and carry the Hokies. Meanwhile, Hansberry showed star potential last season, averaging 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. But foul trouble killed them, 3.1 fouls per game, fouling out five times, and four fouls in nine others, including key wins over Notre Dame.

1:03And Syracuse. Cleaning that up is huge for March Man's hopes. Tyler Johnson brings shooting punch at six foot five, hitting 53% from the field, and over 40% from deep on 8.8. Game. An injury sideline him for two months after December, but he ramped up late with solid minutes against Carolina and others. Jones and Davis need growth too. Jones shot poorly in spot duty, while Davis saw zero action as a red shirt freshman. If these returners level up and the staff grab smart transfers for death, especially at center behind Davis Virginia Tech, could surprise in the ACC. Next year. Keep an eye on that guard evolution. It might just flip the script.