Virginia Tech Hokies 2010-2011 College Basketball Predictions

The Virginia Tech Hokies ended the 2009-10 year at 25-9 and were 10-6 in ACC play, but due to a poor non-conference schedule they were not invited to the NCAA Tournament and instead ended the year in the NIT. The Hokies won their first two contests, before getting beat by Rhode Island in the quarterfinals. Heading into the 2010-11 season the expectations are extremely high for Virginia Tech, as they return pretty much their entire group from last year, including their top 11 scorers. With a more difficult non-conference slate and so many guys returning, the Hokies definitely have a chance to make it back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. To get a general idea of what Virginia Tech will look like this season, here is a short breakdown of what the Hokies have returning from last year and the players they have added who could make an impact.

Viewing the college basketball lines for this year, Virginia Tech has the third best line to win the ACC at +650, but still remain a huge underdog to win the National Title in the minds of the oddsmakers at +10,000. Looking for a great site to do your NCAA basketball betting this year? Now is the perfect time to get an account started at Sports Interaction. Simply take the time to sign up for a new account today, and receive a 100% bonus on your initial deposit!

Backcourt: The Hokies have a lot of talent returning in the backcourt this season, as they return senior point guard Malcom Delaney, who led the ACC in scoring at 20.2 points per contest. Delaney tested the NBA by putting his name in the draft, but after finding out he wasn’t going to be a high choice, resolved it would be a good idea to come back to Virginia Tech and work on his game. If Delaney shows substantial improvement this year, the Hokies could compete for the conference title. Also returning is senior shooting guard Dorenzo Hudson, who finished second on the team in scoring at 15 points a game, a big jump after putting up just 4.6 points his junior season. Adding depth is sophomore point guard Erik Green, who Greenberg believes is ready to step up his contributions this year, as he has the tools needed to be a solid player. Also watch for freshman Jarell Eddie, who is a highly regarded incoming freshman that figures to make an immediate impact this season.

Frontcourt: Senior Jeff Allen and junior Victor Davila both return, but the hope is that Florida transfer Allan Chaney can step in and be a huge factor for Virginia Tech on the block. At 6’9 Chaney has all the tools to be a force at the four, but is presently dealing with a medical issue and it remains uncertain when he will be ready to go. Neither Allen or Davila was as good as they should have been last season, and it will be important that these two bring it consistently. Senior Terrell Bell does the dirty work for the Hokies, and while he won’t light up the scoreboard, he is a key piece to Virginia Tech being a successful squad this season.

Pick – 3rd ACC: I don’t believe the Hokies will have what it takes to pass Duke or North Carolina for the top two spots, but it is not out of the question for this team to surprise and compete for the championship. Rarely do you get a college basketball team with so many good players coming back, but the key will be whether or not this team can live up to the high expectations this season. I think they can, and with a tougher schedule in place, I see a reason why Virginia Tech doesn’t make it to the Big Dance this season.

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