Virginia Tech head basketball coach Mike Young received some good news on Thursday when senior forward Keve Aluma announced he was returning to Blacksburg for the 2021-22 season.
Aluma, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward from Berlin, Maryland, withdrew his name from the 2021 NBA draft this week. In his first year of eligibility with the Hokies, the former Wofford transfer averaged 15.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season.
Round 2… Let’s run it back pic.twitter.com/rMk7JS86D8
— Keve Aluma (@AlumaKeve) June 24, 2021
Aluma was named second-team All-ACC after the season. He was one of the ACC’s top players last season for his ability at both ends of the floor.
Aluma discussed his decision to return with Mark Berman of The Roanoke Times.
“It’s not like I was all over the draft boards,” Aluma said.
“It was a win-win situation. Everyone’s dream is obviously to go pro, but I’m in a great situation here, and I think we’re going to be pretty good — better than last year.”
Aluma is right. Virginia Tech has a chance to be really good in 2021-22. The ACC will not have a dominant team next season as Virginia lost several key performers. The Hokies will compete to be the league’s top team with Florida State, Duke, North Carolina, and the Cavaliers.
Asked about the feedback he was given regarding his draft prospects, Aluma wasn’t overly hopeful.
“That was the vibe I was getting, was late second or undrafted,” he said.
Therefore, returning to the Hokies was the easy call.
Welcome back, Keve. Virginia Tech’s basketball program continues to get better.