The 2024-25 college basketball season is upon us with Virginia Tech picked 14th in the ACC and facing some turmoil after the dismissal of projected starting PG Hysier Miller, due it appears to his ties to a gambling scandal at his previous school Temple. Optimism isn't high outside of Hahn Hurst, but the Hokies will be looking to prove their internal belief right and the outside doubts wrong.
So to get you ready for the season, let's dive into an in-depth breakdown of the Hokies' roster and make some predictions.
Projected Lineup:
PG: Brandon Rechsteiner
6’1'' Combo Guard (Sophomore)
Pros:
Three Point Marksman
Passing Vision (11 assists vs American last year)
Cons:
Undersized (especially when playing off the ball)
Shades of: Darren Collison
Undersized point guard, who can set up on offense, knock down threes off spot ups, and play solid defense.
Archetype: Sharpshooting Floor General
With the subtraction of Temple transfer Hysier Miller, Brandon Rechsteiner is now the primary point guard to start the season as Mike Young recently told CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.
Rechsteiner spent much of his freshman season learning and playing behind star guards Sean Pedulla and Hunter Cattoor. He was relatively productive in his spot starts, averaging 3.5 points and seven assists in those two games near the end of non-conference play. While Rechsteiner struggled shooting in his limited role off the bench last year, knocking down just 27% of his treys, he has proven to be a much better sniper than that percentage shows.
“He might be the best shooter we have,” head coach Mike Young stated at Media Day. “If you prove you can shoot the ball, we’ll find a way to get you some cracks. He’s shot the ball at a very high clip to this point.”
Young opened up the possibility that he “might play him (Rechsteiner) off the ball a little bit” in order to get him some three point opportunities. However, at just 6’1, Rechsteiner will likely spend most of his time at lead guard.
“I’m doing what I’ve done my whole life,” Rechsteiner said of his role this season. “Being a leader, a floor general, and getting buckets.”
Without Hysier Miller, Rechsteiner will have every opportunity to do just that this year.
SG: Jaden Schutt
6’5'' Shooting Guard (Redshirt Sophomore Transfer from Duke)
Pros:
Three Point Marksman
Shot Creating Potential (Big time scorer and recruit out of high school)
Cons:
Unproven (96 collegiate minutes played)
Shades of: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Lethal three point shooter, with crafty moves and smooth scoring abilities from the shooting guard position.
Archetype: Smooth Perimeter Scorer
Jaden Schutt is just one knee injury and a couple years at Duke removed from being the 54th ranked player in the country coming out of high school. The 6‘5'' guard can shoot as well as anyone on the roster and projects to fill some of the void left by the graduation of Hunter Cattoor. Schutt also feels confident in his familiarity with the Hokies.
“I’m pretty familiar with them (Virginia Tech); I understand the playstyle," said Schutt.
Schutt clearly likes his fit in Mike Young and the Hokies’ three-point heavy offense, but he also wants to bring other elements of his game to the floor.
“I’m going to show a little bit of playmaking (and) my IQ. I’ve got some athleticism I can show every now and then," said Schutt.
The key to opening up his game will be knocking down shots at a high level to start the year. If defenses learn they have to face guard Schutt, driving lanes will open up and his game will greatly expand. Regardless, Mike Young loves a shooter, so if he can knock down shots, he’s going to find his way onto the floor, and anything else he adds will be icing on the cake.
“He’s been as good as advertised; as good as I hoped he would be,” said Mike Young. “He’s going to play a lot, and I’m really excited about him. “
SF: Ben Burnham (Potential Starter)
6’7'' Forward (Senior transfer from the College of Charleston)
Pros:
Three Level Scorer (12 ppg, 37% three point shooter)
Jack of all Trades
Cons:
Lack of Signature Skill
Shades of: PJ Washington
Ball handling and sharpshooting three level scorer, who can play small forward, power forward or even small ball center based on matchups.
Archetype: Swiss Army Knife
Ben Burnham is a jack of all trades forward from the College of Charleston. Last season, he averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds per game on 46/37/70 splits while starting every game.
Burnham’s skill set fits perfectly in a frontcourt with Mylyjael Poteat and Tobi Lawal, as he makes up for their shooting deficiencies, and can be used in almost any role offensively or defensively.
The Hokies should absolutely dominate on the glass in minutes with Burnham at the three as “Burnham is a really tough and strong” guy according to Mike Young and is a big reason he considers rebounding a potential strength for this team..
Beyond his play on the court, Burnham sees himself as the leader who can help tie this team together.
“I’m a quiet guy. I like to lead by example, just doing the right thing”, Burnham said. “I like to think of myself as playing very hard and giving all of my effort.”
His veteran presence as well as his ability to serve as the primary or secondary scoring option should provide Mike Young lots of lineup versatility with Burnham on the floor.
