Virginia Tech C Patrick Wessler has announced that he will enter the transfer portal, becoming the third Hokie to do so today along with guards Jaydon Young and Rodney Brown Jr.
Wessler leaves VT after spending the past three seasons in Blacksburg, with this being the first season he broke into the regular rotation as Tech’s backup center. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 10.6 minutes per game while shooting 62.5% from the field.
He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Wessler’s departure leaves a clear opening at starting center for next season, though pursuing a starting center in the portal seemed like a priority even if Wessler returned. While four-star Christian Gurdak can replace Wessler in the backup role, he should not be relied on to start next to Tobi Lawal next season.
Wessler seems likely bound for a mid-major program as a starter or if he wants to be at a power conference program, he’ll likely be in a similar 10-minute per game backup role.
The new House Settlement rules means that the number to watch is 15 rather than 13 similar how football is now 105 rather than 85, with those numbers being roster spots instead of just scholarship players. All 15 roster spots can be on scholarship now compared to the maximum 13 scholarship opportunities plus walk-ons.
With that in mind, Wessler’s departure puts the Hokies at 10 players for next season, leaving five spots open at the moment.
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