With Virginia Tech still waiting to see if Keve Aluma and Justyn Mutts will return for one more season or not, the Hokies are busy in the transfer portal pursuing talented frontcourt players who could replace Aluma and/or Mutts if they decide to pursue their professional opportunities.
One of those players is Southeastern Louisiana 6'6'' F Gus Okafor, a Baltimore native and 2021-22 All-Southland First Teamer who averaged 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 30.8 minutes per game while shooting 42% from the field, 32.6% from three-point range, and 79.3% from the free-throw line.
Okafor told us that he has specifically heard from Virginia Tech assistant Kevin Giltner with Okafor adding this on how their conversation went.
"He just said he liked my game and is going to continue to do his research on me," Okafor said.
Okafor also gave us some insights on his style of play along with the strengths and weaknesses of his game.
"I'm a versatile position-less player who can pass to find shooters, score on mismatches, and can space the floor with the three ball. I'll say a weakness is quicker decision making," Okafor said.
Virginia Tech is not the only school interested in Okafor as he is also receiving interest from Arkansas, N.C. State, Butler, VCU, DePaul, Iona, James Madison, Louisiana Tech, Towson, UNC-Wilmington and "a couple others". He also has reportedly received interest from Loyola-Chicago, Saint Joseph's, and South Alabama per "Inside the Portal" on Twitter plus Southern Illinois and Jacksonville State according to HoopSeen's Justin Byerly.
Looking ahead, Okafor told us that he is hoping to make a decision in "2-3 weeks" and had this to say about what the key factors will be for him in making his decision.
"I’m looking for a school that can help me improve my game to the next level, a school with a good winning culture, and a place that fits how I play," Okafor said.
He also said that being closer to his hometown of Baltimore "is a plus but not mandatory" as he evaluates the schools involved in his recruitment.
As Virginia Tech waits for decisions from Keve Aluma and Justyn Mutts, the Hokies' coaching staff are scouring the transfer portal to find potential replacements should Aluma and Mutts choose to pursue professional opportunities with Gus Okafor emerging as a potential top target.
