The Virginia Tech Hokies received some bad news on Wednesday afternoon when rising junior guard Tyrece Radford entered the NCAA transfer portal.
With it being so late in the cycle, there is virtually no way to replace Radford in 2021-22.
Now, before anyone blames head coach Mike Young and his coaching staff, relax. This has nothing to do with Young. We will likely hear news coming out regarding Radford’s next destination in the coming days. At that time, we will discuss our thoughts on this situation.
Radford averaged 12.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 2020-21. He was also suspended for a brief time after being pulled over and charged with a DUI and carrying a concealed weapon. After the issue was resolved with the Montgomery County Court system, Radford returned to the court for the Hokies.
— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) January 25, 2021
Young was very public in his defense of Radford and his character.
I asked #Hokies coach Mike Young about reaction to his decision to reinstate Tyrece Radford: "I could care less. I'm going to do what I think is best in concert with the people I work for here. ... I love that kid."
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) February 24, 2021
The Hokies were expected to have one of the best teams in the ACC in 2021-22. Now, this certainly changes things. The Hokies will still be very good next season with Keve Aluma, Justyn Mutts, Storm Murphy, Nahiem Alleyne and Hunter Cattoor all back. But, Radford brought a unique skill set to the team on both ends of the floor and was a tenacious rebounder for his size.
We will have more on this story once it develops further.