Virginia Tech basketball: Could the Hokies be on the verge of landing a big-time player?

Could Mike Young and the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team be on the verge of landing a big commitment?

Four-star guard Rodney Rice, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound combo guard from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, is expected to make his college decision soon with the Hokies and Louisville in the driver’s seat.

And, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball, the Hokies are trending as the pick for Rice.

Rice is the No. 52 overall player for the 2022 class in the 247Sports composite rankings. Rice visited Virginia Tech last month when the football team defeated North Carolina in the season-opener.

The Hokies have two commitments in the 2022 class in guard M.J. Collins and center Patrick Wessler. Rice would round out Virginia Tech’s 2022 class perfectly.

New Virginia Tech assistant coach Mike Jones knows Rice well from DeMatha. Jones left DeMatha after an outstanding career as head coach of one of the top high school programs to be a top assistant for Young.

Here is 247Sports director of basketball scouting, Jerry Meyer’s scouting report on Rice:

Has good size for a combo guard. Not an overwhelming athlete in terms of speed and leaping but has quality body control and is extremely comfortable with the basketball. Efficient ball handler who gets to his spots on the court. Can attack either direction and finishes well with either hand. Has a knack for creating space for his jumper with a quality step back move and a one-foot jumper in the lane going to the basket. In general, a high level shooter. Intelligent passer who keeps it simple. Average defender and rebounder.