The Virginia Tech Hokies' men's basketball program hosted their opening media day of the fall today with the central question surrounding the status of Ahmed Hill. However, the Hokies announced some news that one player will be redshirting this fall due to a medical condition.
https://twitter.com/RTD_MikeBarber/status/653643741232820224
It is unknown what the medical condition is that will keep JUCO transfer Ty Outlaw from playing this fall, but hopefully it isn't too bad to the point that it could derail his college basketball career before it really starts.
The Hokies had a loaded backcourt, and Outlaw was going to be in a tough competition for playing time. Redshirting Outlaw will give him a year to adjust to the jump from junior college to ACC-level basketball though that jump does not seem as hard as the jump from high school to college.
Outlaw projected to be a small forward or fourth guard for the Hokies depending on how small of a lineup the Hokies wanted to go with. Outlaw is kind of in the same size mold as Justin Bibbs and Chris Clarke, but Outlaw's redshirt will mean that Bibbs and Clarke will get more playing time with Bibbs being a likely starter and Clarke possibly also.
Outlaw was one of the top JUCO recruits, and is someone that Buzz Williams will want to get 100% over the course of the year to get him ready for next season. Outlaw will have to fight for a role in the future, but all signs are that he has the talent to compete with what is a congested backcourt.
The goal for Ty Outlaw will be to get healthy for next season, and follow the Buzz Williams motto of getting better throughout his redshirt year. We will have to wait a season to see how good Outlaw can be for the Hokies.
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