Virginia Tech basketball’s roster took a big hit with the departure of Hysier Miller, a former standout from Temple, due to his involvement in an ongoing gambling inquiry. Expected to play a major role in the Hokies’ offense, Miller averaged 15.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game last season at Temple. This makes his sudden absence a huge setback, especially with the start of the season just weeks away.
With Miller out, Coach Mike Young is now left with only two point guards—sophomore Brandon Rechsteiner, who played limited minutes in 2023-24, and freshman Ben Hammond from the well-regarded Paul VI High School program. Rechsteiner will likely have to take a big step forward, while Hammond may find himself in a more prominent role earlier than expected.
Other recent additions, like Ben Burnham (from Charleston) and Toibu Lawal (from VCU), might also shoulder more of the playmaking duties to help fill the gap Miller’s absence leaves. Burnham, known for his versatility on the perimeter, could bring some much-needed stability as the Hokies transition to a more perimeter-focused offense. Jaden Schutt, a Duke transfer currently redshirting due to knee surgery, could be one to watch for future seasons once healthy.
With the loss of Miller, Virginia Tech faces an uphill battle in an already competitive ACC. Expectations for the Hokies were moderate heading into the season, but this news dims the outlook further, creating a challenging start for Coach Young as he scrambles to reshape the team’s backcourt dynamics.
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