Virginia Tech has confirmed initial reports that star guard Tyrece Radford has entered the transfer portal.
BREAKING: A Virginia Tech spokesman has confirmed to me that Tyrece Radford has entered the transfer portal. More on the shocking news out of Blacksburg here #Hokies https://t.co/0jDkGIyNpC
— Tim Thomas (@TimThomasTLP) June 30, 2021
Radford was a top star for Tech to kick off the Mike Young era averaging 10.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 28.4 minutes per game over the past two seasons while earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors for the 2020-21 season. He will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next school and will be immediately eligible after entering the portal prior to the July 1st deadline for immediate eligibility.
This is definitely a massive surprise and major loss for the Hokies given not only the production but how in many ways, his high energy style of play made him the heart and soul of this team. While he may not have the same upside as other guards due to his size, there's no doubt that he had been maximizing his talent and is a big loss as a slasher, rebounder, and on the defensive end.
Radford's loss also likely takes Tech from being a top 20 team to likely a fringe top 25 team that may start the season in the 26-35 range. However, the Hokies will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves to be a top 25 team prior to the start of full-fledged ACC play.
With Radford gone, Nahiem Alleyne and Hunter Cattoor are likely to be the top playing time beneficiaries while Darius Maddox has a massive opportunity to take on a larger role. Additionally, it wouldn't be surprising to see Tech pursue a senior guard/wing to add to the roster with plenty of talented players still out there who oculd fit well like Minnesota's Marcus Carr and Cincinnati's Keith Williams.
We will have more as this story develops.
