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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en"> <title>Gobbler Country - All Posts</title> <subtitle>The Gold Standard For Virginia Tech Athletics</subtitle> <icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50377/gobbler-fav.png</icon> <updated>2025-04-01T23:58:09-04:00</updated> <id>http://www.gobblercountry.com/rss/current/</id> <link type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/" rel="alternate"/> <entry> <published>2025-04-01T23:58:09-04:00</published> <updated>2025-04-01T23:58:09-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech basketball: Hokies make massive hire, bringing back Chester Frazier</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NCAA Basketball: Clemson at Virginia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5LbMuaSMxXIL8F8G1ycG1-Dey5I=/0x0:4041x2694/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73998376/usa_today_14214686.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Michael Thomas Shroyer-Imagn Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>A big get for Mike Young!</p> <p id="F3YA4d">Who says you can’t come home again? It was a tough blow for the Hokies' head coach when Virginia Tech coach Mike Young lost his top assistant coach, Chester Frazier, after the 2020-21 season. While Young replaced Frazier with Mike Jones, the impact was never the same. And Jones left after two seasons to take a similar role on Maryland’s staff. </p><p id="4ThLmt">On Tuesday, Virginia Tech announced it had hired Frazier as associate head coach. When Frazier departed Blacksburg in 2021, it was to go to his alma mater, Illinois, as an assistant, where he spent the next three seasons. In 2024, new West Virginia coach Darian DeVries hired Frazier as his top assistant. But DeVries, after only one year, bolted to take over as head coach of Indiana, leaving Frazier free to pursue other opportunities. </p><div id="bl0zfJ"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">first of the offseason ✅<br><br> » <a href="https://t.co/zzOgaz604F">https://t.co/zzOgaz604F</a> <a href="https://t.co/9JT0RNfQ2F">pic.twitter.com/9JT0RNfQ2F</a></p>— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesMBB/status/1907070452566216899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="5uUCU6">Frazier replaces Christian Webster, who Young let go after the season. Webster had been with the Hokies since 2016.</p><p id="n0AvxW">While Frazier had plenty of top options, returning to Blacksburg with his family to work for a coach he likes and respects was the perfect opportunity. </p><p id="NNw7cK">“We are thrilled to welcome Chester, his wife, Sarah, and children, Chandler, Cameron and Courtney, back to Blacksburg,” <a href="https://hokiesports.com/news/2025/4/1/chester-frazier-set-to-return-as-associate-head-coach">Young said</a>. “His passion, energy and tireless work ethic are exactly what we need. Chester has a deep understanding of our program’s culture, and his ability to connect with players, recruit at a high level and develop talent will be invaluable as we move forward. He has been a winner everywhere he has been. I am fortunate to call Chester a dear friend and am fired up to work alongside him once again.”</p><p id="QesqjR">Here’s what Frazier said regarding his return to Virginia Tech. </p><p id="6ngRhm">“I’m beyond excited to be back at Virginia Tech,” Frazier said. “This is a special place with a passionate fan base, a strong culture and a commitment to excellence. I’m looking forward to once again working with Coach Young and the entire staff to help return this program back to where it belongs.”</p><p id="tJ0MMB">Frazier is known as a relentless recruiter and specializes in coaching defense. The former Illinois guard could play a factor in Tech bringing in experienced and talented players via the transfer portal. </p><p id="m4inpF">Make no mistake, this is a huge hire for Young, who is going into a critical year. The Hokies will supposedly receive more financial backing, allowing them to bring in better talent through the portal. Frazier is an excellent first move for Young. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/4/1/24399274/virginia-tech-basketball-hokies-assistant-coach-chester-frazier-mike-young"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/4/1/24399274/virginia-tech-basketball-hokies-assistant-coach-chester-frazier-mike-young</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. Manning</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-31T23:33:52-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-31T23:33:52-04:00</updated> <title>It was a perfect weekend for the Virginia Tech Hokies</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Baseball at English Field - gonna be only so different next year." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lmeoeDsaZ3_Nmnh2S7eg0DD5b-s=/27x0:3725x2465/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73996097/R_16BS_nd3_MK_2048.0.0.1464192380.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Baseball at English Field - gonna be only so different next year. | Picture Courtesy of Dave Knachel - Virginia Tech Athletics</figcaption> </figure> <p>What a terrific weekend for the baseball and softball teams. </p> <p id="4Zw4ll">You couldn’t have scripted a better weekend for the Virginia Tech Hokies — at least on the diamond. First, let’s talk about Virginia Tech’s baseball team.</p><p id="0hRZbx">On Friday, the Hokies headed south to Winston-Salem for a three-game series against the 16th-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Tech entered the series having won five of its last six games, including taking two of three from the previously 16th-ranked Louisville Cardinals at English Field. </p><p id="vnd3Qo">The Hokies’ offense remained red-hot against the Demon Deacons, scoring 13 runs in Friday’s series opener, walking away with a 13-2 win. Tech jumped on Wake early, scoring nine runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back. </p><p id="bLUGtN">What would they do for an encore? VT scored 11 runs on Saturday, taking down the Deacs, 11-8, as Ben Watson, Henry Cooke, and Garrett Michel knocked in a combined seven runs to lead the Hokies. Tech jumped out to another big lead, this time 8-0, but Wake Forest stormed back with six runs in the bottom of the third. Grant Manning came out of the bullpen and was outstanding, allowing two hits, one walk, and one run, while striking out five in 4.1 innings to earn the save. </p><p id="S8xVpx">The Hokies weren’t satisfied with winning the series, and on Sunday, they defeated the Demon Deacons 6-5 to sweep the series. Virginia Tech has now won eight of its last nine games entering Tuesday’s game against Radford at English Field. The Hokies are now 20-8 on the season, with a 7-5 mark in ACC play. </p><div id="9gTl41"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ’ <br><br>≫ 2021<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> ⚾️ <a href="https://t.co/krmSEIP2Ry">pic.twitter.com/krmSEIP2Ry</a></p>— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesBaseball/status/1906511780232212748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="Bc6QKs">Now, let’s talk about the softball team. The Hokies entered Friday’s weekend series against No. 16 Stanford ranked 12th nationally. Tech swept the Cardinal and turned the first triple play in program history in Saturday’s win. All three games were decided by one run and the Hokies are now 28-5 and 8-1 in the ACC. </p><p id="2phFUN">Rightfielder Cori McMillan and catcher Zoe Yaeger each drove in five runs across the three games, providing just enough offense for the Hokies to pull off the impressive sweep. </p><p id="VpDW8h">The softball team's next game is a home date on Wednesday against the Liberty Flames, followed by a big weekend series against the North Carolina State Wolfpack. </p><p id="sRXJM8">As for the sweeps, it was the first time in school history that the Virginia Tech baseball and softball teams swept ranked opponents on the same weekend. </p><div id="7EhZj1"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A weekend for the record books <a href="https://t.co/zn2203lr4s">pic.twitter.com/zn2203lr4s</a></p>— HokieSports (@hokiesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/hokiesports/status/1906818312207511711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="Rrn8fg">A weekend to remember, indeed. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/31/24398455/perfect-weekend-virginia-tech-hokies-softball-baseball"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/31/24398455/perfect-weekend-virginia-tech-hokies-softball-baseball</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. Manning</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-30T02:04:38-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-30T02:04:38-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech softball: Hokies record first triple play in school history in win over Stanford</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="COLLEGE SOFTBALL: MAR 22 Auburn at Texas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/71XP8GyVjg5UIfv51dDsjhNEZIk=/0x0:4988x3325/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73992340/2206156912.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The Hokies defeated Stanford on Friday and Saturday, taking the series. </p> <p id="agBqOT">The Virginia Tech Hokies softball team is good. That’s not news. Tech’s 12th-ranked softball team is off to another great start in 2025 and hosted No. 16 Stanford in a huge weekend series in Blacksburg. </p><p id="M39nic">Things got off to a great start on Friday when the Hokies defeated the Cardinal, 4-3. On Saturday, it looked like Stanford might even the series after overcoming a 3-0 deficit; the Cardinal jumped out to a 5-3 lead behind a four-run fifth inning. Fortunately, the Hokies got out of that inning with no further damage.</p><p id="BoEheL">However, in the top of the 6th, it looked like Stanford was on the verge of blowing things open when something incredible happened—something that had never happened in school history before. With two runners on and nobody out, VT leftfielder Lyla Blackwell made a sensational diving catch, quickly jumped to her feet and threw a strike to second for a double play. However, the Hokies weren’t done as second basemen Rachel Castine quickly turned to first base, ending Stanford’s threat — and the inning. It was a triple play for the Hokies. </p><p id="uggfnv">Check it out. </p><div id="cv6R9d"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WEB GEM OF THE CENTURY!!! TRIPLE PLAY!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> <a href="https://t.co/REdlsjb4lU">pic.twitter.com/REdlsjb4lU</a></p>— Virginia Tech Softball (@HokiesSoftball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesSoftball/status/1906101527367819709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="xzKZXq">The crowd went wild, and that momentum carried into the bottom half of the inning as the Hokies scored five runs. Cori McMillan smacked a two-run double to tie the game, 5-5. Michelle Chatfield followed up with a single to score McMillan, and the Hokies were back in front. Finally, Castine finished the perfect inning by bashing a two-run homer to extend Virginia Tech’s lead to 8-5. </p><p id="uGNEWH">Stanford would score two more in the top of the 7th, but it wasn’t enough as the Hokies held on for the win, taking the series by winning the first two games. The two ranked ACC foes face off in the series finale on Sunday at Tech Softball Park. The game will again be televised on the ACC Network. </p><p id="0ghJSh">The Hokies improve to 27-5 on the season, including a 7-1 mark in ACC play. Tech has won all three ACC series this season. Sophie Kleiman got the win, improving to 8-0 this season. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/30/24397000/virginia-tech-softball-hokies-record-record-first-triple-play-school-history-win-over-stanford"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/30/24397000/virginia-tech-softball-hokies-record-record-first-triple-play-school-history-win-over-stanford</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. Manning</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-29T00:33:14-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-29T00:33:14-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech basketball: Mike Young has a message for Hokie Nation</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NCAA Basketball: Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rh1ArACXJw8QNkqQ2hgRMYkhHrA=/0x0:4922x3281/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73990720/usa_today_25245324.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Mike Young sends a message to Virginia Tech fans and alumni.</p> <p id="jpP2j0">Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock spoke this week to some local reporters, discussing NIL and the overall state of the school’s athletic department. Babcock’s interview received a primarily negative response online and on the message boards. Babcock acknowledged Virginia Tech’s issues, which included the men’s basketball program not receiving financial support in today’s NIL world. </p><p id="lHJxd7">It probably didn’t help that former Hokie Sean Pedulla was lighting up the scoreboard for the Ole Miss Rebels all the way to the Sweet 16. Pedulla spent three years in Blacksburg and transferred after the 2023-24 due to better financial opportunities elsewhere. </p><p id="uZKmAI">We’ve heard for weeks now that the Hokies would be much more competitive in the NIL space going forward. Babcock confirmed as much. While he didn’t specify exactly how much, the Hokies should be able to field a more competitive roster next season. The only problem is that other teams will also have more money to spend. </p><p id="ASn7r5">This week, head coach Mike Young spoke directly to Virginia Tech fans and alumni, urging them to support the Hokies. Young also acknowledged he was disappointed with last season’s results, but is 100% committed to turning things around. After falling in the ACC Tournament, a visibly frustrated Young spoke of needing to improve. He reiterated that stance in his message to the fans.</p><div id="yl31bW"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're . We're going to get this .<br><br>And we can't wait to do it with you, <br><br> » <a href="https://t.co/OyOWOiqCpO">https://t.co/OyOWOiqCpO</a> <a href="https://t.co/W9LqLBTdg2">pic.twitter.com/W9LqLBTdg2</a></p>— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesMBB/status/1905288709282443665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="zkaAD3">Kudos to Young for the message. But this is the type of thing each Virginia Tech coach should do in today’s current landscape after every year. Sure, it may not have made a huge difference last year, but a head coach in college football or basketball is now more of a salesman or fundraiser than they are a coach. The current lack of rules in college sports means coaches must sell their players on returning after every season, which is frustrating for coaches who prefer to develop.</p><p id="6WmMtx"> </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/29/24396357/virginia-tech-hokies-basketball-mike-young"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/29/24396357/virginia-tech-hokies-basketball-mike-young</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. Manning</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-27T00:14:16-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-27T00:14:16-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock discusses NIL</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Clemson v Virginia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7RvjUToVamjk4WqCEFVYqXlEykU=/0x22:3721x2503/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73986892/857249550.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Whit Babcock addressed NIL and the future of Virginia Tech athletics. </p> <p id="tngeFs">The Virginia Tech men’s basketball program struggled badly in 2024-25, finishing 13-19 and 8-12 in ACC play. Considering the roster turnover from last year, Mike Young did a heckuva coaching job. </p><p id="tuqFVh">Much of the talk around the basketball program was about a lack of resources. It wasn’t just talk; it was a real issue. While no one will ever know the full truth about why Kenny Brooks bolted Blacksburg without explanation last year, a lack of resources for the women’s program was believed to be an issue. </p><p id="CW69ZA">Regardless, it was a problem that needed to be rectified for the Hokies to be able to compete. While no one expected Virginia Tech basketball to have Duke or North Carolina’s budget, the Hokies’ lack of resources dedicated to the basketball programs were embarrassing. </p><p id="3gtqRh">That’s expected to change next season. And with the transfer portal open, those changes are underway, and the Hokies are expected to be able to compete for better talent next season. Another important element is retaining some key players, like Tobi Lawal.</p><p id="5kJEBo">The problem with Virginia Tech’s improved NIL is that other teams are getting more resources, too. Virginia just hired Ryan Odom as the new head coach. The Cavaliers are reportedly set to receive a massive boost in NIL, which will help Odom build and retain a competitive roster. </p><p id="iH5AHF">On Wednesday, Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock spoke with some reporters, including Andy Bitter of Tech Sideline. We will include some of Bitter’s X posts and discuss some of the key points. </p><div id="CUlU2V"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Babcock said <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> underestimated the men's basketball NIL market this year. Said Clemson was about 70% higher on NIL than VT.<br><br>But re: the perception that NIL money was diverted from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> basketball to football last year: “No. That’s what you get for reading social media.”</p>— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyBitterVT/status/1904965353307881686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="svAbt5">Babcock said the Hokies did not allocate all their NIL funding to football last year. It was a common talking point that VT dumped all of its resources into football, hoping to make a positive impression on the Big Ten and SEC. Whether true or not, that’s the “social media” element Babcock mentioned. </p><p id="1HnOuJ">As we all know, despite several star players returning, the Hokies disappointed, finishing 6-6 in the regular season before losing in a bowl game. That left a lot of people upset and concerned about the future of not only the football program, but the athletic programs as a whole. </p><div id="tvwRIj"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Babcock said the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> are ironing out details to extend their Nike contract for five years. It's currently is set to expire in June. Though he didn’t give $$ details, don’t expect it to break the bank. That market has changed in recent years, with less competition.</p>— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyBitterVT/status/1904965951864648115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="yffBKa">This is always a concern for fans. Far too often, you’ll see Virginia Tech’s coaches wearing some cool gear, yet that cool gear is not for sale anywhere. Why? Fans believe the Hokies have gotten the shaft from Nike for years. If we go by what Babcock says here, we probably shouldn’t get our hopes up. Virginia Tech is missing a major opportunity to sell more team gear, frustrating the paying customers — the fans. </p><div id="T5nVee"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Given the recent subpar performance of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> football and men’s basketball, does Babcock feel like he’s on the hot seat: “In Year 12, it’s not a real good situation to underachieve in football and men’s basketball in the same year. So that wasn’t good enough. I’m where the buck…</p>— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyBitterVT/status/1904966574831784097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="GTYyyW">Babcock didn’t say it, but he understands the team’s major programs — football and men’s basketball — cannot continue to underachieve. Who knows what that means for him, but Babcock realizes the football program must make major strides in the fall, which could be tough with two new coordinators and a ton of roster turnover. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/27/24394942/virginia-tech-hokies-athletic-director-whit-babcock-nil"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/27/24394942/virginia-tech-hokies-athletic-director-whit-babcock-nil</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. Manning</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-25T00:03:05-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-25T00:03:05-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech basketball: Former 4-star forward Ryan Jones enters transfer portal</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament First Round - Virginia Tech vs California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kJ1sumFYWd2bL9wdoSDoBr2_pes=/0x1:4619x3080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73982861/usa_today_25643022.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Jones appeared in five games last season. </p> <p id="xc0bDC">The NCAA transfer portal officially opened on Monday morning and was busy. Over 500 players entered on the first day, including four Virginia Tech Hokies. </p><p id="Bpxgzc">Last week, sophomore guards Rodney Brown, Brandon Rechsteiner, Jaydon Young, and sophomore center Patrick Wessler revealed their intentions to enter the portal when it opened on Monday. Virginia Tech freshman forward Ryan Jones entered the transfer portal early on Monday morning, making it five Hokies. </p><p id="flbXKX">Jones was a high-profile four-star recruit when he signed with the Hokies one year ago. A 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward/center from Gainesville, Florida, picked Virginia Tech over Florida. There were some questions at the time about whether the Gators were still recruiting Jones. </p><p id="PHNz6Y">Jones appeared in only five games as a freshman, playing 10 minutes and scoring six points. </p><p id="Bp7bZo">Jones will have three years of eligibility at his next stop. </p><p id="DhUVOj">It wasn’t known how much Jones would play as a freshman, but head coach Mike Young clearly felt something wasn’t ready about Jones’ games. From looking back at Jones’ high school highlights, defense wasn’t his strong suit. He is a bit of a tweener in that he’s not a traditional big man and lacks the twitch to be a conventional wing player. He can shoot the ball well, but many teams want a 6-foot-8, 240-pound player to be able to contribute around the rim. </p><p id="vhYafD">In this era, teams don’t have time to develop players. And players believe they should be playing. It’s often a bad mix all the way around, and many players get lost in the shuffle once entering the portal. The good news for Jones is that players who have transferred from Virginia Tech have enjoyed success elsewhere. Jones’ situation does not compare to Sean Pedulla’s, who was an excellent player in Blacksburg, but more like David N’Guessan or Jalen Haynes, who departed and enjoyed successful college careers elsewhere. </p><p id="p57lSP">We wish Ryan Jones the best in all of his future endeavors. </p><p id="GVo0mO"></p><p id="aNOPL0"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/25/24393436/virginia-tech-hokies-basketball-forward-ryan-jones-ncaa-transfer-portal"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/25/24393436/virginia-tech-hokies-basketball-forward-ryan-jones-ncaa-transfer-portal</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. Manning</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-24T19:39:00-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-24T19:39:00-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech Hokie Women’s Basketball Season Ends with a 59-69 Loss to Texas Tech</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A1LPxwaC5Z4q2yBnMyz0NM3jqks=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73982294/IMG_5299.0.jpeg" /> </figure> <p>The scoring problems from Game 1 of the WBIT followed the Hokies into Game 2 against Texas Tech. At times the game looked more like a wrestling match than a basketball game, the Hokies just never figured out the TT high pressure defense. 2024-2025 is over, Rose and Matilda are on their way, and even with the disappointing finish, the future with Coach Duffy is very bright. GO HOKIES!!!</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pf35Swou72iyeKsDb5_DCxp3v1A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925249/IMG_5265.JPG"> <cite>John Schneider - SB Nation</cite> <figcaption>This accidental pregame glimpse of a feeling about this one from the bench.</figcaption> </figure><h3 id="kPC6BT"><strong>Images Sometimes Bring with Them Frozen Predictions</strong></h3><p id="lw4sKa">It’s always too easy to say that “I have a feeling about this one...”, but that’s the general observation of the pregame atmosphere on the court. It’s not that the team seemed down, but it did feel like something was just not comfortable and “happy”. Matilda had a superhero facemask on to protect her bashed nose from the NC A&amp;T game, and that bothered her. Carleigh was just not hitting in the pregame shoot-around and you could see the resigned frustration in her comments and looks on the court. It’s not that it was disorganized and crazy like the football pregame warm-ups, but there was a certain lack of “something energy-wise” before the horn sounded for the game to start. </p><p id="4qoKnj">Unfortunately, it started with an elbow and full contact on the tipoff, and continued as the Hokies struggled to score anything and Texas Tech bullied them from the baseline all the way to the basket. It seems their coach had done his homework and figured out that the Lady Hokies have struggled all season with full court man-to-man pressure, and the Lady Raiders were set up to run and gun on offense, and press hard, full court on defense. </p><p id="KpW9Ym">Tech never had a breath to set up, pass with confidence or accuracy, and certainly didn’t get many “good looks” at quality shots. Not having one or too tall folks in at the post didn’t help matters. As Texas Tech went up 8-0, which based on the fact that the Hokies were also putting up a stiff defense using their floating zone, it was looking like the pregame gray feeling was becoming self-fulfilling. Still, it wasn’t until the 6:20 mark of the 1st quarter that the Carleigh Wenzel actually got a short jumper to go in. By the time the period horn sounded, the Hokies were 9 points down, 12-21 and only there because of a scrambling hard fought short jumper by Carys Baker. </p><p id="MfuLp5">The 2nd quarter was closer in the point spread, but Virginia Tech really didn’t get moving again until Mackie Nelson (who didn’t shoot enough, again), put in a layup with 5:36 on the clock before the half. Neither team was scoring much in this period, but Texas Tech still put up three more points than the Hokies. The half ended, 24-36, with a struggling and confused Hokie offense being kept in the game by their tenacious defense, but defense doesn’t put points on the board, and the Hokies really needed points. </p><p id="HDms6y">The 3rd Quarter brought hope, and a much better offensive performance by the Hokies. The scoring was dominated by free throws, though. This game will be remembered, for a very long time, for the poor and unbalanced officiating. The crowd was vocal to the point of getting beyond the line for a potential technical foul. Somehow, the Hokies managed to benefit from some actual whistles against Texas Tech. Virginia Tech scored 17 points in the period and narrowed the score for the opening of the 4th quarter to a manageable 7-point 41-48 Texas Tech lead. </p><p id="Yjo3t3">The unbalanced fouls came back with a vengeance in the 4th quarter, however. At some point, in looking up at the scoreboard (some 5 minutes had passed), Tech had passed the 5 team-foul bonus status and Texas Tech had 0 fouls. That’s a completely ridiculous stat for a team playing a heavy press, man-to-man defense and driving hard into a zone on offense. Eventually the fouls would catch up to Texas Tech, but by then, the damage had been done and there was no hope for the Hokies to get back into the game as the clock ticked down past 2 minutes, there just weren’t enough successful exchanges possible to make up the 15-point difference. The final horn sounded as Texas Tech froze the ball, and the crowd began to break up.</p><h3 id="DbQ8jV"><strong>It was a Disappointing Loss But...</strong></h3><p id="KVx0Su">On an analytical front, the Hokies didn’t just drop the game because of the unbalanced officiating. Several key players were having difficulty getting the ball to drop. Even scoring in double figures, Carys had some real accuracy problems. Carleigh’s shooting problems from the last three or so games continued and even amplified a bit. In Carys’s case it seemed to be a coverage and “look” issue. She was blanketed and rarely got a chance to put up a quality shot. In Carleigh’s case it seems her mechanics are off and the ball was just not rotating in the right direction and coming off of her hand to the right. That sort of issue takes time and practice (kind if similar to a batter’s slump in baseball) to get over, and playoff conditions don’t really allow for that. Matilda didn’t get into double figures, but it’s difficult to even fathom how she played with that thing on her face, at all. That she even had the toughness to get out there and play is a positive. </p><p id="GeXV9g">For all of the struggles on offense the Hokies played tough on defense. They did have some problems stopping the Texas Tech 3-pointers, but the Raiders weren’t getting an easy time getting the ball to the hoop. The end of the story was still that the Hokies just couldn’t generate enough offense to challenge Texas Tech.</p><p id="rbpXj4">What we have, though (provided the hope that Tech survives the portal period) is the makings of a really good women’s basketball team for 2025-2026. The next few weeks will tell how Coach Duffy can re-recruit her players, get the new players into the mix. Kate Sears is another difference maker like Kayl Petersen. She still has to find some height in the mix, and we’ll see over the next month how many 2024-2025 Hokies stick with her program.</p><p id="A1dW3X">Congratulations to Coach Duffy on her first season at Tech. Also, congratulations to Rose Micheaux and Matilda Ekh who we are going to miss greatly. Ladies! Remember Virginia Tech and Blacksburg are always Home. </p><p id="VGxLfS">As to the rest of the 2024-2025 Lady Hokies... Thank you for a wonderful season. No one expected this team to go this far this season. You stuck together. You worked hard. You played through the adversity of losing a coach and having to adjust to a totally new staff. You found each other and Hokie Nation, too. We are all hoping that you choose to stay with us.</p><h4 id="Wv1OWZ">Pictures from the Game are Up on Facebook</h4><div id="gAp5WA"><div class="iframely-embed" style="max-width: 640px;"><div class="iframely-responsive" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1158794642707441&amp;type=3" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmedia%2Fset%2F%3Fset%3Da.1158794642707441%26type%3D3&amp;key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197"></a></div></div><script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h3 id="OcnOTC"><strong>Next Up! Baseball, Softball, and Spring Football</strong></h3><p id="mnmI71">So, we leave women’s basketball, and head back to the ballpark. We’ll bring you up to speed on the Hokie baseball team, and update you on the softball team, too. The Spring game is set for April 12th. The End Series gets picked up for somewhere around mid-April. <em><strong>The End: The Professionalization of Collegiate Sports</strong></em> will be the first due out. Then we go from there for a few articles.</p><h4 id="4bqQ5M"><strong>Stick With Us!</strong></h4><h2 id="ygauaU"><em><strong>GO HOKIES!!!</strong></em></h2><p id="nWP9pb"></p><p id="JmL2gq"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/24/24393091/virginia-tech-hokie-acc-womens-basketball-season-ends-with-a-59-69-loss-to-texas-tech"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/24/24393091/virginia-tech-hokie-acc-womens-basketball-season-ends-with-a-59-69-loss-to-texas-tech</id> <author> <name>John Schneider</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-03-22T00:16:01-04:00</published> <updated>2025-03-22T00:16:01-04:00</updated> <title>Virginia Tech basketball: Mike Young shakes up coaching staff</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NCAA Basketball: North Carolina at Virginia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GBkD3bldIkcPr9kw763_e1JNM38=/0x0:3469x2313/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73977686/usa_today_25580943.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Brian Bishop-Imagn Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Mike Young parts with a pair of assistant coaches as he continues to rebuild his program. </p> <p id="8NMFES">Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young wasn’t playing around after his Hokies were eliminated from the ACC Tournament and their season ended. Young seemed to indicate at his final press conference there would be some major changes for the Hokies ahead of next season. </p><p id="bgfl72">He wasn’t kidding. Over the past week, four players entered the NCAA transfer portal. Remember, many portal exits aren’t always because the player wants to leave. Sometimes, it’s about the coach having difficult conversations with players regarding their future roles. </p><p id="vGjiwz">Jaydon Young, Rodney Brown, Brandon Rechsteiner and Patrick Wessler will all be elsewhere next season. </p><p id="vkaJ6P">Young announced two coaching changes on Friday, including parting ways with a longtime assistant. In a press release from Virginia Tech, Young said Christian Webster and recruiting coordinator Blake Wetherington would not return next season. </p><p id="oQrQgL">Here’s Young’s statement, courtesy of <a href="https://hokiesports.com/news/2025/3/21/young-announces-mens-basketball-staff-changes">hokiesports.com</a>:</p><p id="H6E5UI">“We are grateful for Christian and Blake’s dedication and hard work during their time in Blacksburg,” Young said. “Christian has been a valuable part of our program for nearly a decade, and Blake made an immediate impact in his time with us. Both have bright futures ahead, and we wish them nothing but the best.”</p><p id="MwLcAd">More from Young:</p><p id="bQlNdd">“As we move forward, we are evaluating every aspect of our program to position Virginia Tech men’s basketball for long-term success. These changes reflect our commitment to that vision and present new opportunities for us to evolve with the current landscape of college athletics.”</p><p id="6SgT3b">Webster arrived in Blacksburg in 2016 under former head coach Buzz Williams and remained on Young’s staff. Webster is still viewed as a rising coach but probably needed a fresh start.</p><p id="AWTkfA">Wetherington joined the Hokies one year ago, serving as recruiting coordinator. </p><p id="TaMJmK">Webster played collegiately at Harvard, where he began his coaching career. His departure leaves J.D. Byers and Kevin Giltner as Young’s two full-time assistant coaches until he hires Webster’s replacement. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/22/24391437/virginia-tech-basketball-mike-young-christian-webster-hokies"/> <id>https://www.gobblercountry.com/2025/3/22/24391437/virginia-tech-basketball-mike-young-christian-webster-hokies</id> <author> <name>Bryan D. 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