Virginia Tech made a major transfer portal splash yesterday landing a commitment from star Wright State PF/C Grant Basile. In the process, the Hokies beat out "50+" schools that showed interest in Basile including Wisconsin, Iowa State, and Notre Dame who were the three other schools most involved with Basile.
So why did he choose Virginia Tech in the end?
"I chose VT because of the winning culture that coach (Mike) Young and the program have established," Basile said.
Basile also visited Virginia Tech during the Spring Game weekend just a few weekends ago with that visit also proving important in his choice of the Hokies.
"It was good to get a feel for the support the community gives to the program, it’s a passionate fanbase," Basile said.
Head coach Mike Young and assistant coach Kevin Giltner led the Hokies' charge with Grant Basile having this to say about his relationship about Young and the importance that relationship was in his decision.
"He’s a really good person, can tell he cares about his players as more than basketball players," Basile said.
He also had this to say about his relationship with Kevin Giltner and the importance that relationship had in his decision.
"He was involved early when I entered the portal, played for Coach Young, and gave the former player perspective. He also really cares about his players," Basile said.
So how does Basile feel he will fit in Virginia Tech's system and 2022-23 lineup?
"I feel good about the fit. Coach Young is a great coach and there is a lot of talented players returning and coming in. The shooting ability of the team will be fun to play with," Basile said.
So with all that said, what are Basile's top goals for his first season with the Hokies?
"Contribute to the winning tradition, and make a deeper run into the NCAA Tourney," Basile said.
Virginia Tech landed one of their top frontcourt targets in Grant Basile who is poised to lead the frontcourt for a Tech team hoping to build on their five-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
