2010-11 College Basketball Predictions: Virginia Tech
November 12, 2010
The Virginia Tech Hokies finished the 2009-10 year at 25-9 and were 10-6 in conference play, but due to a weak non-conference schedule they did not make the NCAA Tournament and instead had to play in the NIT. Virginia Tech won their first two games, before losing to Rhode Island in the quarterfinals. Heading into the 2010-11 season the expectations are extremely high for the Hokies, as they bring back pretty much their entire group from last season, including their top 11 scorers. With a more difficult non-conference slate and so many guys returning, the Hokies definitely have a opportunity to make it back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four seasons. To get a better idea of what Virginia Tech will look like this season, here is a quick breakdown of what they have returning from last season and the new players who could make a contribution.
Viewing the college basketball lines for this year, Virginia Tech has the third best odds to win the ACC at +650, but still remain a huge underdog to win the National Title in the eyes of the linesmakers at +10000. Searching for a solid place to do your NCAA basketball betting this year? Try BetUS where you can get up to $500 in match bonuses on your initial deposit!
Backcourt: Virginia Tech has a ton of talent returning at the guard positions this year, as they bring back senior point guard Malcom Delaney, who led the ACC in scoring at 20.2 points per contest. Delaney tested the NBA by putting his name in the draft, but after realizing he wasn’t going to be a high choice, decided it would be a better idea to return to Virginia Tech and try to improve. If Delaney shows substantial improvement this season, the Hokies could fight for the conference title. Also back is senior shooting guard Dorenzo Hudson, who finished second on the team in scoring at 15 points a night, a big jump aftering putting up just 4.6 points his junior season. Adding depth is sophomore point guard Erik Green, who Greenberg thinks is ready to step up his contributions this year, as he has the skills required to be a strong player. Also watch for freshman Jarell Eddie, who is a highly regarded incoming freshman that should be ready to make an immediate impact this year.
Frontcourt: Senior Jeff Allen and junior Victor Davila both are back, but the hope is that Florida transfer Allan Chaney can come in and be a huge factor for Virginia Tech on the block. At 6’9 Chaney has all the skills to be dominant at power forward, but is currently managing a medical issue and it remains uncertain when he can get back on the floor. Neither Allen or Davila met expectations last year, and it will be vital that these two bring it consistently. Senior Terrell Bell does the dirty work for the Hokies, and while he won’t light up the scoreboard, he is a key component to the Hokies being a successful squad this year.
Pick – 3rd ACC: I don’t think Virgina Tech will have what it takes to surpass Duke or North Carolina for the top two spots, but it is out of the realm for this team to surprise and contend for the title. Rarely do you get a NCAA basketball team with so much talent returning, but the key will be how they deal with the high expectations this season. I think they can, and with a tougher schedule to get through, I see a reason why Virginia Tech doesn’t make it to the NCAA Tournament this season.
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