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Four-Star PG Jalen Cone Commits to Virginia Tech

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Mike Young and Virginia Tech has had some success on the recruiting trail and transfer market retaining Landers Nolley, and adding former Wofford big man Keve Aluma and former Wofford commit Hunter Cattoor. However, Young and the Hokies made their biggest splash yet gaining a commitment from four-star PG Jalen Cone, the first addition to the roster that didn't have a connection to Young at Wofford. Cone is now the second member of Virginia Tech's 2019 class alongside three-star combo guard Hunter Cattoor. Cone chose the Hokies over fellow finalists Tennessee, Texas A&M, NC State, Boston College, and Wake Forest. Signs were pointing towards the Hokies after Cone chose to reclassify and set a decision date days after taking an official visit to Virginia Tech. Additionally, Cone cancelled an official visit to Tennessee, another clear sign that the Hokies were the frontrunner to gain Cone's commitment today. Jalen Cone has been one of the few recruits that have been priorities for both Buzz Williams and Mike Young with Young building off Williams' foundation and beating out the Aggies for Cone. The fact that Young was able to get the job done given how influential Williams has personally been on recruits is clearly a statement that Young and his staff will be more than able to recruit at a high level. Combine with how significant of a push Rick Barnes and Tennessee had made, and there's no doubt that this is the most impressive addition to date. Looking ahead to next season, Cone seems poised for a major role whether that is as a starter (with Wabissa Bede likely in a Seth/Devin Wilson-like two guard role) or Cone as a sixth man with Bede at the point guard, should Bede return as seems likely at this point.

Jalen Cone in the Recruiting Rankings

In the 2019 class, Cone is ranked as the 77th best recruit by Rivals, 100th best recruit by the 247 Sports Composite, and 175th best recruit by 247 Sports. Among point guards, Cone is ranked eighth best by the 247 Sports Composite, 13th best by Rivals, and 18th best by 247 Sports. In the state of North Carolina, Cone is ranked sixth best by the 247 Sports Composite and seventh best by 247 Sports. ESPN has not updated their rankings to include Cone in the 2019 class. In their 2020 rankings, Cone was ranked as the 53rd best overall recruit, ninth best point guard, and third best recruit in the state of North Carolina.

Jalen Cone's Offer List (According to 247 Sports and Rivals)

  • ACC: Virginia Tech, Boston College, Miami, NC State, Wake Forest
  • Big East: Providence
  • Big 12: Baylor
  • Pac-12: Stanford
  • SEC: Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas A&M
  • Atlantic 10: VCU
  • Southern: UNC Greensboro
  • Sun Belt: Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina
  • Big South: Hampton

Photo Credit: Harley Taylor

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