Mike Young's squad took another hit from the transfer portal as freshman center Christian Gurdak plans to enter the transfer portal. Neoklis Avdalas and Isaiah Pasha previously revealed their intentions to do the same next week.
The 6-foot-10 center averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in 31 games including 10 starts. He was the only freshman to play more than 11 games, let alone start a game this season for Virginia Tech. Due to injuries, Gurdak was thrusted into the rotation but played quite well and stayed in the rotation through the year. In the ACC game of the season, Gurdak scored 17 points and 19 boards to help push the Hokies past Virginia in triple overtime..
The Gonzaga High School product caught Mike Young’s eye early. Gurdak was the first ninth grader that he offered and played well in his freshman season. Even though the transfer portal has become more prominent, Christian Gurdak seemed like a player that would be tied to the hip of Mike Young at least for another year. However, VT does not expect to be able to lure Gurdak per source to TLP editor Tim Thomas.
Virginia Tech’s front court is now a spot to be addressed this offseason as Tobi Lawal graduates and Gurdak enters the portal. As of now, Amani Hansberry, Antonio Dorn, Sin’Cere Jones, and Solomon Davis make up the front court. Three of them are entering their second year, so expect the Hokies to prioritize adding a starting caliber frontcourt player to put alongside Hansberry next season.
