Virginia Tech's Neoklis Avdalas Shines at Eurobasket U20 Championships

Before Neoklis Avdalas even suits up in the maroon and orange, the incoming Virginia Tech guard has already delivered a statement on the international stage.

Representing Greece at the 2025 U20 European Championships, Avdalas has put together a string of impressive performances that showcased his all-around game, court vision, and calm under pressure. Over seven tournament games, the 6'8" guard is averaging 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, guiding Greece to a strong showing against some of the continent’s top youth squads.

That's not a surprise to Hokies head coach Mike Young who had high praise for the versatility of Avdalas and how he could fill multiple roles as a talented scorer and facilitator.

“It's like getting two players. He's a 6’9” guard that can play the one, two, three, or four,” Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young said earlier this summer during media availability. “Maybe the best part of his game is his passing. He's an incredible passer. He's really, really good.”

In Greece’s opening win against Lithuania, Avdalas filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, hitting three shots from deep. But it was his consistency over the next six games that truly turned heads.

He poured in a tournament-best 23 points on July 16th in a tough 85–78 win over Finland, going 7-of-10 from the free-throw line and adding 7 rebounds and 2 assists, as well as two triples.

Avdalas’ basketball IQ shined especially in Greece’s ball movement. He notched double-digit assists in two games and had fewer than three turnovers in five of seven contests, including a standout 15-rebound, 5-assist game against the Czech Republic that proved he can dominate without scoring.

Even in Greece’s lone loss — a heartbreaking 72–70 setback to France — Avdalas delivered 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, nearly willing his team across the finish line.

Avdalas had a number of good performances, but none stand out more than the triple double against Israel just four days ago.

His triple-double performance (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists) was more than just a statistical milestone. It was a showcase of Avdalas’ all-around impact and a preview of what Hokie fans can expect in Cassell Coliseum. He controlled the game without overextending himself, threading passes through tight windows, crashing the boards with purpose, and hitting timely shots when needed.

It was the kind of poised, unselfish performance that turns heads not just in July, but in March as well.

Neoklis Avdalas won’t just be a contributor next year in Blacksburg, he's the centerpiece, and he showed that the Hokies have a very high ceiling with Avdalas in that leading role.