Over the next few days, I’ll take a look and project the role and stats for each of the Hokies’ 2017 recruits for the men’s basketball team. I looked at PJ Horne yesterday, and today we will examine Wabissa Bede’s position with the team.
Bede joins a very deep and talented guard rotation in Blacksburg. Projecting his spot on the depth chart is not easy. However, he is one of four true point-guards on the team along with incumbent starter Justin Robinson, Tyrie Jackson, who redshirted last year, and Devin Wilson. Depending on how Jackson and Wilson look during preseason camps and training, Bede could be either the second or third PG off the bench.
However, having two ball-handlers on the floor is something that can give an offense a boost. Virginia Tech was reliant on running the offense through Seth Allen and Zach LeDay last season, but this year Justin Robinson should have the keys to the offense. He should not have to bear that burden completely. Bede is a talented playmaker that can not only create his own shot but create for others as well. Despite losing Outlaw, the Hokies will still be able to threaten from the perimeter with Bibbs, Hill, and freshman Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The freshman one-guard has the vision and passing ability to give them open looks. Bede will also be able to space the floor on his own, as he possesses solid range with his jumpshot.
Bede is too talented of a player to relegate into a developmental role with the team, but because of the logjam at guard, he will most likely be coming off the bench his freshman season. However, Bede should be heavily involved in the rotation this year, either to give Robinson a breather or to provide more playmaking on offense as a second ball handler and scorer. His stats may not jump off the sheet, but I suspect his energy on the defensive end and his ability to create for others on offense results in a solid amount of minutes in 2017.
Projected Role/Stats: 22 minutes/game, 8 PTS/2.5 RBS/3.5 AST