It was unknown when David N'Guessan entered the transfer portal if a return was even under a possibility with most reasonably assuming that it wasn't. However, it appears that a N'Guessan return is something both him and Tech are more than open to with N'Guessan including the Hokies in a top 8.
#Hokies forward David N’Guessan, who entered the transfer portal back on April 28, has released his top eight schools on Instagram. Returning to Virginia Tech remains an option. pic.twitter.com/TuXBMdYK2p
— David Cunningham (@therealdcunna) May 19, 2022
Beyond a return to Virginia Tech, his top 8 also included Maryland, Georgetown, Kansas State, UMass, Rhode Island, George Washington, and Saint Joseph's.
Tech currently has two scholarship spots open with one being held for Justyn Mutts while the other may be open regardless so Tech clearly has room for N'Guessan. Of course, things are likely not that simple as N'Guessan's decision may depend on weighing the pros and cons of a potentially smaller role at a major conference team versus a larger role at a high mid-major school in the Atlantic 10.
That's what make this transfer battle not that simple along with the interesting situation of N'Guessan returning to Tech in the end. Mike Young has reeled some players back out of the portal previously when he first arrived and there have been plenty of talented entrants this offseason who have returned to their original school in the end so it shouldn't be ruled out.
The Dutch big man would also be a strong returning boost for a Tech frontcourt that is seeing some massive change this offseason with Keve Aluma going pro, Justyn Mutts still weighing his options on going pro versus returning for one more season, and John Ojiako transferring to George Mason.
If Mutts weren't to return, N'Guessan would have a clear path to a starting spot and a role that could be anywhere from 20-30 minutes per game at the 4 with Wright State transfer Grant Basile at the 5. Incoming transfers John Camden and Mylyjael Poteat are among the top backups who would also be competing with N'Guessan for frontcourt minutes and even the starting role.
If Mutts were to return, N'Guessan likely would slide into the same 10-15 minutes per game role as a top backup at the 4. This comes on a roster that's lacking in a true backup 4 that can stretch the floor with Poteat being an internal guy, while John Camden (and Darren Buchanan Jr) has good length to play the 4 but is more of a small-ball 4 to some extent.
He would once again have an open path to the starting spot at the 4 for 2023-24 though with some different competition with Camden, Poteat, and others among those in the frontcourt. Basile has the versatility to play the 4 as well which opens the door for Poteat, Lynn Kidd, or Pat Wessler to start at the 5 potentially with Basile at the 4, but N'Guessan would likely be the favorite.
