Following last March’s second-round NIT exit at the hands of Ohio State, the Virginia Tech men’s basketball program underwent a significant roster shakeup. Head coach Mike Young saw several players depart via the transfer portal, leaving him to rebuild much of his roster for the 2024-25 season by targeting portal additions.
Meanwhile, the Virginia Tech football team finds itself at 5-5 through 10 games in the 2024 season, falling short of preseason expectations. Retaining a large portion of last year’s roster and adding key transfers had fueled optimism that the Hokies could make a surprise push for a spot in the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Instead, they are now fighting to secure bowl eligibility, needing at least one win in their final two games against Duke this weekend or Virginia on Thanksgiving weekend.
During their second bye week of the season, head coach Brent Pry addressed the media on Tuesday, sharing insights into how he and his coaching staff utilized the extra time to prepare for the crucial stretch ahead.
Brent Pry trying to avoid mass exodus after 2024 season
Head coach Brent Pry revealed that during Virginia Tech’s recent bye week, he and his staff focused on solidifying relationships within their own team. They prioritized “re-recruiting” their current players, a proactive measure to guard against potential poaching efforts by programs with larger NIL budgets. Pry’s comments underscore the growing impact of NIL dynamics on college football, where retaining talent has become as critical as recruiting new players.
In today’s landscape of college sports, particularly football and basketball, player retention is just as critical as recruiting. Brent Pry, now in his third year, appears determined to avoid the kind of roster turnover Virginia Tech men’s basketball head coach Mike Young experienced last offseason. His proactive approach to engaging with players during the bye week raises questions about the current atmosphere within the Hokies’ football program. Are there underlying frustrations among players that could lead to an exodus when the transfer portal reopens next month?
The team’s immediate future may offer some clarity. If the Hokies secure a sixth win and clinch bowl eligibility, it will be worth watching how many players opt out of the postseason game—something that was not an issue last year. With the portal window approaching, the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining the program’s direction and whether Pry’s efforts to steady the ship will be enough to stave off significant departures.
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