Virginia Tech F Tobi Lawal Withdraws From the 2025 NBA Draft, Returns to the Hokies

Virginia Tech received some unsurprising but great news today as starting forward Tobi Lawal announced that he will be withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and returning to the Hokies next season.

Lawal's decision to return comes after he had a breakout season with the Hokies averaging 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds in 26.4 minutes per game while shooting 55.9% from the field including 37.1% from three-point range.

With Lawal back, the Hokies immediately have one of the ACC's strongest frontcourts with WVU starting C Amani Hansberry set to pair with Lawal, with depth being provided by German C Antonio Dorn and four-star C Christian Gurdak.

Per VT's official statement, Lawal had this to say about his decision to return to VT.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to explore the draft and learn from the experience,” Lawal said. “It gave me a clear view of the areas I need to keep improving–fine tuning my all around game, gaining experience from more game reps and challenging myself to guard the opponent's best player every night. I’m excited to be back at Virginia Tech with my teammates and coaches to keep chasing our goals.”

Head coach Mike Young had this to say about Lawal's return.

“We’re excited to have Tobi back in the maroon and orange,” Young said. “He approached the draft process the right way — with maturity, determination and an eagerness to grow. The feedback he received will only elevate his game, and we’re thrilled about what’s ahead for him and for our program.”

With Lawal back, the focus for the Hokies shifts even more on working to land Greek win Neoklis Avdalas, who has not made a decision yet about staying in the 2025 NBA Draft or going to the college ranks. Because he didn't play college basketball last season, Avdalas has till June 15th to make his decision and will be able to factor in where his stock is following the withdrawl of other draft prospects like Lawal.