A new era of Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball has officially begun with the subtraction of Kenny Brooks following his departure to Kentucky and the addition of Megan Duffy following her arrival from Marquette.
This change on the sideline was accompanied by a change of player personnel and schemes on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Fans got their first chance to see the new-look Hokies last week in their scrimmage versus Limestone. However, fans won’t get a true understanding of the quality of this team until they face Division l and eventually ACC opponents. Here’s a look at the Virginia Tech’s projected roster:
Projected Lineup
PG Carleigh Wenzel
After two years under the tutelage of All-American Georgia Amoore, Carleigh Wenzel is poised to take over the lead guard role while likely working off-ball at times in smaller lineups. Wenzel averaged about four points off the bench last season, including a 12-point, seven-assist, six-rebound game against Marshall in the NCAA Tournament.
Last year, Wenzel got the chance to play off the ball alongside some of the best scorers in the country. While she will still get some minutes at the two, she will be asked to fulfill many more playmaking duties, whether in the pick and roll, feeding the post, or finding a shooter. With so much uncertainty on who will be able to lead this team as a shot creator, Wenzel’s ability to attack the basket and knock down shots will be crucial for this Hokie team to remain in the ACC’s upper tier.
SG Lani White
Lani White got very limited playing time in her two seasons at Utah. However, she seems more than ready to jump into the starting lineup in her first year in Blacksburg.
White, a self proclaimed “energizer bunny”, will look to provide much-needed shooting after the losses of Georgia Amoore and Cayla King, and perfectly fits the Hokies’ identity as a fast paced defensive-minded team. White is very fast and has quick hands, allowing her to play passing lanes and get out in transition and score. White’s defensive intensity, along with fast break scoring and three point shooting abilities will get her on the court this season.
F Matilda Ekh
The lone starter returning for the 2024-25 campaign, Matilda Ekh projects to be the top scorer for the Hokies. A year ago, Ekh finished third in the ACC in three-pointers made, knocking them down at an impressive 40% clip.
She’s already picked up right where she left off last season, pacing the team in scoring with 16 points in just 20 minutes in the exhibition against Limestone. It remains to be seen if Ekh has expanded her game outside of firing from long range, but regardless, she will score a lot of points as she might be the best shooter in the conference.
