Audra Kowalik, Jan 29, 2024
Source: Virginia Tech Athletics
The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team has had an exciting 2023-2024 season so far. With a record of 13-7, the team has improved so far from last year's record of 19-15. The team significantly takes advantage of home court in Cassel Coliseum, with an astounding home record of 10-1. Star players Sean Pedula (Jr.) and Hunter Cattoor (Gr.) have earned the most points this season, carrying many games to victory. Although they are almost always especially recognized for their talent, assisting players Lynn Kidd (Sr.) and Tyler Nickels (So.) have been rising to notable achievements, especially in the most recent home game against Georgia Tech on January 27th. Tech fans have been happy to witness these players' success, as it assures the team can be successful overall without Pedula or Cattoor in the event of graduation or injury, like a concussion Cattor received recently. The ACC tournament is certainly within reach, and fans anxiously await a chance to exceed last year’s season's standing.
Despite these key players’ success this season, the Hokies are still mourning the loss of Justyn Mutts. Last year, Mutts was a key player and arguably will remain the most missed Men’s basketball player on the Virginia Tech team. Averaging 11 points per game, not only was he an important offensive contributor, but he carried in the team's assists and especially their morale. He was always seen jumping to the iconic intro of Enter Sandman and advancing both the teams’ energy and the fans, most notably the student sectional. All fans experienced an emotional loss after Mutts graduated and moved on to the NBA.
Much of the coaching staff and players themselves also find themself missing something they barely ever had, Rodney Rice. Being a top 100 recruit, he was expected to advance the Hokies in his freshman season but had barely any play time due to constant injuries. Before this season, he was awaited excitedly by fans everywhere until two weeks before the opener, he transferred out of the program. This left the team to anxiously scramble to find and perfect a new strategy mere days before the opener, and many wonder how the teams’ standings would be now had Rice been part of the team all along.
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