2006 Virginia Tech Hokies Basketball Preview

2006 Virginia Tech Hokies Basketball Predictions

The Hokies looked like they would have a good season last year, but then they lost a slew of players to various circumstances. And although this team has not been in the tournament since 1996, they’re confident that this is the year that they’ll get back.

Virginia Tech has two of the best guards in the ACC. Both are seniors who can play point—Zabian Dowell (15.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 41.7 FG%, 69.6 FT%) and Jamon Gordon (11.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 45.9 FG%, 65.3 FT%). But both were overused last season, so look for sophomore A.D. Vassallo (6.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 43.5 FG%, 78.1 FT%) to play the wing and swing into the forward position. Freshman Nigel Munson will be groomed to assume point guard next year and frosh Tyrone Appleton will see time as the shooting guard.

At center, seven-footer Robert Krabbendam returns from last season, which he sat out due to a medical redshirt. He’s a solid rebounder and defender. A healthy Krabbendam will allow Coleman Collins (14.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 51.1 FG%, 67.2 FT%) to switch from center to his natural position-- power forward. Junior swingman Deron Washington (10.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 49.2 FG%, 57.0 FT%), sophomore forward Cheick Diakite (1.3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 40.5 FG%, 66.7 FT%) and freshman forward Lewis Witcher provide plenty of depth up front.

Coach Seth Greenberg (45- 44 in three years) managed to develop a defensive dynamic in this team last year that will help them in 2006- 07. Along with allowing next year’s starters to get important experience, Greenberg, with more depth than he had last season, will coach his club to play a more up tempo game. This is a team on the cusp of contending.

With a healthy squad, depth down low and some promising recruits, look for this to be more than a rebuilding season for Tech. Their backcourt and frontcourt are both sound and the team has good defensive players. Five starters return to give Tech a shot at the NCAA tournament.

If you want more info on the 2006 Virginia Tech Hokies College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Virginia Cavaliers and Florida State Seminoles.