Virginia Tech will be riding a tidal wave of confidence and momentum as they travel to Raleigh Wednesday night. The Hokies kicked off their ACC season with a big win at home over the Duke Blue Devils. What do you need to know about Buzz Williams’ Hokies before Wednesday night’s game?
Virginia Tech’s high-octane offense is averaging 84.2 PPG on the season…
Five players are averaging double figures in the points department giving Williams plenty of variety each night. Their balance makes it difficult for opposing teams to hone in on one player when trying to stop their attack. The Hokies are excellent at driving the lane and kicking out as defenses collapse for open looks on the perimeter. Shooting a respectable 49% from the field and 40% from three the Hokies are making teams pay if left open. Their high shooting percentages have yielded high assists per game to the tune of 17 APG. In their last game aginst Duke, they scorched a sound Blue Devils defense by scoring 89 points while knocking down 55% of their shots. Zach LeDay leads Virginia Tech in PPG at 16.1. LeDay does not start but thrives in his scoring role off the bench.
Virginia Tech has four players shooting over 40% from the three-point line this season…
The Hokies have been efficient at knocking down three-pointers this season. In fact, they have four players Ahmed Hill, Seth Allen, Justin Bibb, and Ty Outlaw shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Buzz Williams has done a great job at building an offense that plays uptempo and looks to shoot the three-ball off of penetration. Virginia Tech is ranked 18th in the NCAA in three-point shooting percentage at 40.3%. Guard Ahmed Hill is shooting 45% from three, ranked 24th in the NCAA. Driving lanes and space are created because of their accuracy from deep.
Virginia Tech takes care of the basketball…
The Hokies are averaging 17 APG on the season ranking them 34th in the NCAA. Not only do they rack up assists but they do not turn over the basketball. Buzz Williams’ team assist to turnover ratio is 1.45 good enough for 19th in the NCAA. Virginia Tech makes the most of their possessions allowing them to average 84.2 PPG.
Defensively Virginia Tech makes teams work for their baskets…
Virginia Tech has held their opponents to shooting just 40% from the field and an even stingier 30% from three. The Hokies were able to bottle up Duke’s high-powered offense last game as they were only able to shoot 41% from the field. Coach Williams has his experienced group buying in defensively leading to a plus 16.2 scoring margin! Teams are averaging 68 PPG when facing the Hokies. Upperclassmen have plenty of experience and know that defense is their ticket to success.
Ranked 21st Virginia Tech is having an excellent start to the season. Buzz Williams has done an excellent job at bringing in talent and then developing that talent. Knocking off Duke is validation that the Hokies are on the rise; however, can they handle the success? Virginia Tech will get their opportunity this Wednesday as they try to beat NC State at PNC Arena.
T Henny was on fire. I would have just fed him all game. Abu sticking to his strengths… dunking. Anytime Abu does anything other than dunk it usually ends in a turnover. Where has Dorn’s game gone? He looks lost out there on offense and defense.
LOL T Henny started getting hot early. I like the way we came out. We need that every game. If we can get Kaptia and Y7 up to par and on the floor more with how we played last night oh boy… I’m not saying that Kapita does’nt foul but the refs give him some calls I want to see replays on. lol Abu keep playing physical down low and that mid range J consistent. Great job! #GETEMRIGHTGOTT!
Dorn will come along. We just got alot of weapons (which includes Dorn) and he will find his place and groove.
It’s the ACC’s agenda to wussify college basketball. A lot of Kapita’s fouls should just be no calls.
Yeah it seems to be a trend of him getting called for fouls that shouldnt be called. smh.. They dont want us to be GREAT!!! lol
Agreed, same with Yurtsy
I agree with everything you said except the Dorn comment. These guys are human after all. One game where he doesn’t score that much isn’t a reason to panic. We are blessed to have him on our team. And I disagree, I don’t think he looked lost. Abu for the first 12 games actually looked lost and confused, and he’s fine.
it’s crazy that there are only 2 NC State players to put up triple doubles.
I know its early but I’m like the way we are playing.. #GETEMRIGHTGOTT
That 1st half was the best this team has played all season
Should have taken Mav out and put in Dorn.
Mav played a hell of a game today
Mav did have a good game. I’m not knocking Mav. I just feel he comes in the game to early sometimes. What I liked last night is that we just didnt have him and T Henderson running the baseline from side to side all night hoping to get open.
I agree, I hate when Gott has his guys just running baseline to take turnaround 3 pointers. Even though Mav didn’t have a great shooting night from outside, he took it hard to the rim and even made some nifty passes.
Henderson is HOT! Why are we taking him out? I dont understand… I like the play..Lets keep it up guys!!
Playing at home definitely helps. This team has not performed well on the road and at neutral sites. I think the key will be Yurt7. He needs to bring more physicality than he did last game. It’s ACC time so man up.
Lets go Pack! Lets come out with intensity, play smart ball, Hard nose D and get this W!! It will be a good win… #GETEMRIGHTGOTT!!!
This is going to be a gut check for the Wolfpack. VT is going to go all out. Will the Pack be able to match the intensity? Will this team remain disciplined and run their sets or will it turn into another one on one fest?
I’ve always liked Buzz’s coaching style. Even when his teams were undersized he got the most out of them by utilizing team defense and rebounding.