November 2, 2021

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November 2, 2021

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PAGE 2 November 2, 2021

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Graduate and Professional Student Senate aims to defund campus police through new resolution The GPSS hopes to reallocate funds to social services such as the Women’s Center.

MOMIJI BARLOW news editor

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), a student organization that represents the interests of graduate students in the university and communicates with the university to improve quality of life for graduate students, passed multiple resolutions in October during its Senate meeting.

One of these resolutions, Resolution 2021-22L, seeks to defund Virginia Tech’s campus police and reallocate funds to important social services.

Amanda Burroughs, a third year sociology Ph.D. student and GPSS

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Director of C o m m u n i c a t i o n s, explained that over the summer, she and GPSS President Jack Leff held listening sessions to gauge graduate students’ opinions. Burroughs and Leff found that one of the topics that came up was distrust in campus police.

“This has also come up in the Senate meetings,” Burroughs said. “Graduate students have expressed that when they are a victim of a sexual assault, or a hate crime, or any kind of violence, they actually don’t report and are scared to go to the police, especially if they are marginalized, especially if they are a person of color. They fear that if they go to campus police and report these time to be the truth and reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.

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things that it will somehow be spun that they are the bad guy instead of the victim.”

Referring to the uptick in sexual assaults on campus this semester, Burroughs believes that escalating police presence is not a solution to the problem.

“Increasing police, it just isn’t going to work, and there is a lot of literature about that — a lot of research about that — which you can see in the appendices of the resolution,” Burroughs said. “We would like to reallocate that money to groups such as the Women’s Center that can actually help victims of sexual assault.”

The GPSS also advocates for a living wage for graduate students. One of the things that drove the GPSS to create resolutions for better student rights was a cost of living report published when the GPSS was still the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA). The report

found that after cost-of-living expenses were paid, the average graduate student had $20.01 left in a month to live on, spurring the GPSS’ goals of obtaining more financial security for graduate students.

“I definitely would say (the GPSS has) enhanced my experience so far,” said Andrew Alexander, a first year Ph.D. student studying political science. “It’s not an equal balance of power, being a graduate student, and so it can be difficult to voice concerns you have. Having that body there that is an outlet there to advocate for us is really nice.”

Students can learn more about the GPSS and stay updated on the resolutions at gpss.vt.edu.

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November 2, 2021 PAGE 3

More enthusiasm for Virginia midterm elections is crucial

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ederal elections a lways garner fanfare. Everyone can remember the tumultuous elections of 2016 and 2020; the 2020 presidential election saw the highest voter turnout in a century. Voters were motivated, in part by strong sentiments about the candidates, and came out in droves to vote.

Local elections deserve more attention from voters.

This year, Virginia’s state and local elections have garnered nowhere near the same enthusiasm.

When Americans think about the impact of elections on their daily lives, some tend to overemphasize the importance of federal elections, and for good reason — media coverage of elections focuses heavily on the federal

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Former Mayor Hager-Smith explains to a resident what parts to fill out on a form to register to vote, Sept. 25, 2018.

government, even though state and local governments have an outsized influence on our daily lives.

State governments collect and spend close to two trillion dollars in tax revenue and handle everything from education to infrastructure. Likewise, state governments also have power in administration of social programs. For example, when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, some states chose not to expand Medicaid. This left many stuck with no options for health insurance.

Furthermore, states like Texas have passed laws restricting abortion access.

The importance of state elections was echoed by Nicholas Goedert, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science.

“A lot of real and important policy decisions on domestic issues are made at the state and local levels,” Goedert said. “We can see the importance of Republican control of state legislatures just by looking at the sort of cases that the Supreme Court is considering this year: controversial laws related to abortion, gun control, voting rights, and religious freedom are all at issue thanks to the partisan make-up of state legislatures that changed or could have changed as the result of recent elections.”

Local governments also harbor much importance. Municipal governments are responsible for a host of duties, including public safety, the fire department, as well as public transportation, public works and housing services. Local governments are also responsible for other important duties such as zoning, which can contribute to lower housing costs and walkability in different areas.

Despite the importance of local and state governance, Americans in general do not turn out for local elections that aren’t in line with presidential elections. For example, in 2017, only 21.7% of eligible voters voted in the New York

City Mayoral race.

Increasing voter turnout is paramount to a better functioning republic.

However, this is a difficult task, as even in federal elections, a large percentage of voters do not vote. For example, in a record turnout year like 2020, 33% of eligible voters did not vote.

“Certainly, there’s always the risk of voter fatigue and inattention in a state like Virginia that has elections every year,” said Karen Hult, Ph.D., professor of political science here at Virginia Tech. “Generally, too, voter mobilization and turnout is always higher in years with presidential candidates on the ballot, dropping in midterm election years (when about 36 states have state elections).”

Solutions to this issue are complicated.

“This is a tough question that a lot of political science research has been devoted to,” Goedert said. “I wish Virginia didn’t hold their elections during odd-numbered years, because it is hard to expect people to get excited to vote at least twice a year, every year.

That said, one way that research has shown is very effective at getting voter(s) to turnout is social pressure.”

State and local elections are exceptionally important to the functioning of society. State and local governments handle trillions of dollars in tax revenue, social services, and a myriad of other functions. They deserve our attention and action because of their importance to our everyday lives.

MARCUS LEWIS • senior • national security & foreign affairs, international relations

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November 2, 2021 PAGE 5

As fall brings colder weather, in-person classes bring more stress

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ow that it is officially autumn, change is upon us. Not only are the leaves changing colors and the days becoming colder, but — for students — fall signals a time when classes begin to change pace. Coursework begins to increase, assignments pile up, deadlines approach and morale seems to plummet as in-person classes begin to take their toll. Last year, we were online during this time, and while that format came with its challenges, the coursework remained consistent, making classes more bearable. While the return to in-person classes is exciting, it can also be incredibly stressful as students must now readapt to the rigor and challenges of in-person classes.

One of the biggest sources of the stress associated with in-person classes may not come from the classes themselves, but the preparation leading up

Classes have returned to normalcy, and students are struggling. to the class. Maria Behnke, a junior majoring in graphic design and art history, describes her transition back to in-person classes.

“It was odd, waking up so much earlier than you would for online classes, and finding parking is a pain,” Behnke said.

With online classes, students did not need to invest as much time and energy into preparing for class as they do for in-person classes. One of the benefits of online classes was that they provided students with the freedom to access classes from anywhere, which made attending classes much more manageable. A student’s commute simply consisted of rolling out of bed, turning on their computer, and POOF — they were instantly transported to class. With the return of in-person classes, students must now schedule enough time to wake up, make

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES A Virginia Tech student studying in the Newman Library, Oct. 31, 2021.

themselves look somewhat presentable and drive to campus in the hope of securing a parking spot.

Tori Fuller, a junior majoring in graphic design, echoed this idea as she explained why the lead up to in-person classes feels much more stressful than that of online.

“It is more stressful just because it’s physically exhausting too — just walking around campus — and even just staying there all day versus online where it’s like ‘OK, class is over so I’m just going to (sleep),’” Fuller said.

While students could easily jump from class to class at the touch of a button with online classes, that convenience no longer applies since in-person classes resumed. On days when students have multiple classes, it can be easier to stay on the academic side of campus all day rather than commuting to and from campus numerous times in one day.

Students not only have to readjust to walking multiple miles everyday getting to and from classes, but also to planning in advance to be on campus the whole day. This means scheduling transportation, planning lunch and finding places to study in between classes. It can therefore be hard to juggle the baggage that in-person classes bring after having the convenience of online classes for so long.

In addition to preparation, students are also facing added pressure to perform since returning to in-person classes.

“I feel a lot of pressure to perform that I didn’t feel when we were in in-person classes before. With online (classes), you’re doing your own thing at your own pace,” Behnke said.

The feeling of added pressure is also felt within the classroom because students are now physically attending classes on campus.

“I n class wit h activities a nd homework, there’s more pressure right then and there,” Fuller said. “It can be a good thing because you feel more productive, but at the same time it’s just more stressful.”

Now that students are back in a physical classroom, it is easy to feel

over whelmed. W hile students are spending the same amount of time in class as they were online, online classes allowed students to move at their own pace. For some online classes, attending lectures merely meant working on homework or completing asynchronous assignments. According to Behnke and Fuller, some professors were also more lenient with assignments because of the online nature of the class.

Since classes are no longer online, it feels as though professors have defrosted thei r pre- COV I D -19 expectations, requiring students to devote additional time to coursework outside of class time. Although these expectations are nothing new, students are starting to feel this added pressure to readapt to normalcy after a year of online classes.

Despite its challenges and the change of pace, in-person classes have reminded us of life before COVID-19.

“I didn’t realize this while we were online as much as I do now in retrospect, but I really missed seeing all my professors and classmates,” Behnke said. “You don’t really realize how much classmates help, and it’s nice to have other people around.”

There is so much to look forward to now that in-person classes have resumed and life has begun to return to normal. However, not everyone handles this transition into post-pandemic life the same. It can be hard for students to adjust to in-person classes after spending the past year adjusting to classes on a completely different medium. Faculty should keep this in mind when scheduling deadlines and determining coursework in order to prioritize students’ wellbeing and help make the transition back as smooth as possible. In-person classes may seem more stressful, but we can all adapt together this semester.

OLIVIA NELSON • sophomore • biochemistry

PAGE 6 November 2, 2021

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LTE: UFM calls for university-wide action plan addressing sexual violence on campus

D

UFM continues to push for Virginia Tech to address the recent sexual violence on campus.

ear President Sands, Vice P resident Shushok, Vice President Menah Pratt-Clarke and Dean Hughes, We appreciate your responses to United Feminist Movement’s push for a university-wide action plan addressing the pervasive issue of sexual violence in our community. While we know you are resolved to address this issue, the greater Virginia Tech community has not seen the University’s commitment on this problem.

With each new Clery Act email, members of the community become increasingly concerned for their own safety and for their ability to pursue their social and academic endeavors at Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, over the past month it has become all too common to hear students saying that they are avoiding university sponsored events for their own safety. The community continues to express these concerns and see the lack of communication from administration as complacency for sexual violence.

Students stand at the 2021 UFM sexual assault protest, Sept. 30, 2021.

We urge you to release a public statement acknowledging the communities of students, faculty, and staff that are concerned about sexual violence on our campus and announce the development of a university-wide task force to target this issue. Further, any plan enacted by the university must be open and transparent and involve input from across the university. A public acknowledgement of this initiative is necessary both to address this pervasive issue and to make our community members feel heard and cared for.

ANISHA KOHLI / COLLEGIATE TIMES

As a group, UFM is committed to being an intersectional voice on campus.

However, we also recognize that we do not represent all members of the Virginia Tech community. The voices of different groups of students, organizations, faculty, and staff must be represented to create an effective action plan.

Ma rgina lized members of the community must be centered in this commitment, as they are disproportionately impacted by sexual violence at Virginia Tech. The sustainable growth of a diverse Virginia Tech community is only possible if these communities feel safe, supported, and included on our campus.

Community input and discussion is needed in the university’s plans to address sexual violence. This can involve appointing community representatives to the task force, opening the drafted plans to the community for review feedback, or holding town hall discussions. Regardless of the form, the community voice must be present.

Given the wide support of the UFM 2020 demands and recent protest, we know that this is an issue the Virginia Tech community cares deeply about and are ready to act on. UFM leadership would like to meet with you all as soon as possible to discuss these plans and to help ensure transparency throughout this process.

Un ited Fem in ist Movement is calling on the administration to act now to release a public statement and begin carrying out a transparent, university-wide, collaborative action plan addressing sexual violence in our community. We know this is a huge undertaking, but together we can make a safer community for all Hokies.

UFM LEADERSHIP

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November 2, 2021 PAGE 7

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

VICTORIA CARTER / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Sports

PAGE 8 November 2, 2021

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Head coach Mike Young talks with his team during a timeout, Feb. 15, 2020

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES

CAN’T-MISS MEN’S BASKETBALL MATCHUPS FOR THE SEASON Duke and UVA are among the most anticipated contests for the Hokies this season.

AMBER WILLIAMS sports editor

The leaves have started changing, the weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, which means that basketball season is right around the corner. The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team, led by head coach Mike Young as he enters his third season, is set to take the court on Nov. 9 against Maine to start the 2021–22 season.

Tech comes into the year predicted to finish fourth in the ACC with an exciting schedule featuring 30 games full of daunting opponents ahead of them. The most anticipated matchups include Duke, the University of North Carolina, the University of Virginia, Syracuse and Louisville.

Dec. 22, 2021 - No. 9 Duke One of the first real tests the Hokies will face will come during winter break in Durham, North Carolina. The ACC reported that Duke has been predicted to win the ACC Basketball Championship, receiving over half of voters’ first-place votes and earning almost 100 more points more than the runner-up. Duke has a new threat with 6-foot-10, 250-pound freshman

Paolo Banchero earning Preseason ACC Player and Freshman of the Year honors.

With Jeremy Roach, who has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award, more than likely starting at point guard and Mark Williams returning to the paint following a commanding performance ahead of Duke’s season being shut down due to COVID-19, the matchup against the Blue Devils will be a hard win for the Hokies.

Dec. 29, 2021 and Feb. 19, 2022 - No. 19 UNC The Hokies will get two shots at the team selected to finish third in the ACC, providing for twice the nail-biting games for Tech fans.

The Tar Heels are currently going through a transition with legendary head coach Roy Williams having coached his final season and former assistant coach Hubert Davis taking over the program. UNC ended the Hokies’ time at the ACC tournament last season, so the Hokies will be eager for a rematch in the regular season. The Tar Heels have Armando Bacot, who earned preseason first-team All-ACC honors and has averaged 10.9 points and 8 rebounds in 61 games in blue and white, on their side. Bacot could

make both matchups difficult for the Hokies.

Jan. 12, 2021 and Feb. 14, 2022 - No. 25 UVA No matter the sport, a game against in-state rivals UVA is always anticipated.

UVA ended up one spot higher than Tech in the preseason ACC favorites at No. 4. It exited the ACC tournament early last season due to a positive COVID-19 test and are ready for its comeback season. The Cavaliers can still see their 2019 NCAA championship in the rearview mirror, but it is starting to look smaller and smaller, with six of their eight top scorers from last season gone.

However, UVA has new blood with four new players added in the offseason, including two transfers who are immediately eligible.

It is hard to tell how the team will look this year, but with three-time National Coach of the Year Tony Bennett entering his 13th year as head coach, the Cavaliers are still a huge threat to the Hokies’ record.

Feb. 12, 2022 - Syracuse The predicted No. 7 team in the ACC will take on the Hokies in Cassell Coliseum for an exciting home matchup for Tech fans. The Orange have Buddy Boeheim, a top returning

scorer from last season on the watch list for the Jerry West Award, which recognizes the top shooting guards in Division 1 men’s basketball. Boeheim averaged 17.8 points per game in the regular season and bumped it up to 25 points per game in the postseason for the ACC and NCAA Tournament. The fact that this is a home matchup will give the Hokies some advantage, but it should still be a very competitive game.

March 1, 2022 - Louisville The Hokies will take on the Louisville Cardinals, who finished right after Tech at No. 6 in preseason ACC favorites. The Cardinals will be returning three of their top five scorers, including Samuell Williamson and Jae’Lyn Withers. Williamson averaged 10.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game towards the end of the season and Withers finished second among freshman rebounders in the ACC. New talent has been added to the team as well, including Noah Locke from Florida. Locke will be a huge addition to the Cardinals, who ranked 330th nationally in 3-pointers made per game. @CTSportsTalk

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November 2, 2021 PAGE 9

HOKIES’ NEW BACKCOURT MEMBERS READY TO STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE

The Hokies’ backcourt will look a bit different this season.

EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN sports staff writer

The Hokies might have lost some key members in the backcourt, but new additions should boost the guard play for head coach Mike Young.

Guards Tyrece Radford, Jalen Cone and Joe Bamisile all entered the transfer portal and left Virginia Tech this past summer.

Radford was the second-leading scorer for the Hokies last season, while Cone was a key sharpshooter for the Hokies. Coach Young will look to his new additions and returning starters to replace and even improve the guard production of last season.

The most exciting addition is former Wofford guard Storm Murphy, a senior transfer. The 6-foot scoring guard averaged 17.8 points and 4.3 assists last season, while shooting 47% from the field and 40% from the 3-point range. The Hokies are looking for Murphy to fit right in with teammate Keve Aluma, who also played alongside Murphy at Wofford.

Freshman guard Sean Pedulla also

joins the mix for the Hokies. The two-time all-state guard out of Edmond, Oklahoma, looks to make an impact off the bench for the Hokies in his first year of collegiate basketball.

The Hokies also bring back junior guards Hunter Cattoor and Nahiem Alleyne.

Alleyne looks to build off of his 11.1 pointsper-game average last season as he is expected to be an every-game starter for the Hokies this season. Cattoor looks to fight for a starting spot in the Hokies’ lineup this season and continue his hot shooting.

The Hokies’ backcourt for the 2021-22 basketball season will look a little different, but it has plenty of potential and will be key for the Hokies to take the next step this season.

ALEXYS RIVERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES Hunter Cattoor (0) looks for pass in Gardner-Webb half, Dec. 15, 2019. @CTSportsTalk

HOROSCOPES Libra, Nov. 2

Last week was a really rough one for you, but this week will look up! Grades are not a reflection of what an incredible person you are. You will find your true calling in life this Wednesday. Make sure to have deep conversations with friends and send each other love letters through paper airplanes.

Pisces, Nov. 2

This week you will learn the value of your independence. The sun will rise and your self-esteem will rise along with it. Look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a pep talk. Don’t settle for anything that you wouldn’t want your childhood self to experience.

COURTESY OF HOKIESPORTS

PAGE 10 November 2, 2021

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A LOOK BACK AT MIKE YOUNG’S FIRST TWO SEASONS AS HOKIES’ HEAD COACH

Young’s tenure has already left an impact on the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team.

COLBY TALLEY sports staff writer

Virginia Tech’s basketball head coach, Mike Young, has become such a well-recognized figure around campus that it’s hard to remember he has yet to coach a complete season with the Hokies.

With things getting back to normal and the number of athletes being placed into COVID-19 protocols dwindling in all sports, it will be interesting to see what Young can do in what will most likely be his first uninterrupted season in Blacksburg.

For the time being, let’s take a look back at what Young has been up to in his first two seasons.

Recruiting While Virginia Tech has never been the hottest landing spot for top commits, Young and his staff have certainly managed to attract some intriguing talent.

Among the recognizable names recruited

by Young’s staff are four-star recruits Jalen Cone, Joe Bamisile and Darius Maddox.

While Cone and Bamisile have since moved on to other schools after serving as key bench players for the team, Maddox will be expected to take on a higher workload after a promising offseason.

Furthermore, Young has used recruitment as a way to poach talent from his old team at Wofford College. This talent includes junior guard Hunter Cattoor and redshirt senior forward Keve Aluma, both of whom were key contributors to last year’s team and will continue to be in the coming season.

Young has also made excellent use of the transfer portal to fill holes on the roster.

Along with the aforementioned Aluma, Young has brought in former Delaware

forward Justyn Mutts, who has since become a regular in the Hokies’ starting lineup. Additionally, Young gained a former four-star center from Clemson in the form of Lynn Kidd this past offseason.

Finally, the Hokies earned a commitment from four-star combo guard recruit Rodney Rice who — if he does end up following through on his commitment — would be the third-highest-rated recruit the Hokies have ever had. Needless to say, Young has improved the Hokies’ ability to draw in talent.

On-Court Product Young is an offensive-minded head coach whose scheme is heavily predicated on off-ball movement to find open shots on the perimeter or even the occasional driving lane.

The growing pains of implementing a new system like this were seen in full during Young’s first season, as the team sat at 182nd in the nation for offensive efficiency. The team also didn’t do much on the other end of the floor as they could only manage 149th for defensive efficiency.

Luckily for the Hokies, Young came back in his second season with a more cohesive and experienced unit. The team’s offensive efficiency rating shot up to 81st in the nation, while their defensive efficiency rose to 106th.

The Hokies’ rise in defensive proficiency may have had to do with finally being able to play the 6-foot-9 Aluma at center after his transfer, but regardless, the team improved on both sides of the floor.

Results?

Young’s first two seasons at the helm for the Hokies have led to an overall record of

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Head coach Mike Young yells instructions to the team as they face off against Duke, Feb. 22 2020

31–23. The team failed to make the NCAA Tournament in Young’s first season after losing eight of their last 10 games, and his second season was ended in the first round of the tournament by the Florida Gators.

These may seem like underwhelming outcomes for a team that had made the Sweet 16 in the season prior to Young’s arrival, but it’s important to notice that things haven’t been easy for Young.

The team lost a lot of key veteran pieces from that aforementioned Sweet 16 team, leaving Young and the Hokies to pick up the pieces with a roster that lacked experience.

This makes the disappointing 16–16 record the team had by season’s end seem a little more reasonable.

Furthermore, the team was much improved in 2020–21, but issues regarding COVID-19 protocols ate away a large chunk of their season. From Feb. 7 to their first ACC tournament game on March 11, the Hokies only managed to play two games.

Who is to say the team could have gotten a higher seed in the tournament had it played the rest of its season and upheld its momentum? Who is to say the team would have played better in March as a result of staying active through the final month of the season?

We may never know what would have actually happened, but there are too many questions to put Young at complete fault.

Young has a chance in 2021–22 to play

a full season with a team he has essentially built from the ground up. The eyes of Hokie fans, as well as the nation, will be watching to see what he can make of this chance.

@CTSportsTalk

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November 2, 2021 PAGE 11

CT SPORTS STAFF PICKS THEIR PRESEASON BASKETBALL AWARD WINNERS The sports section gives preseason accolades to the Hokies.

DEVIN SHEPARD, AMBER WILLIAMS, EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN sports editors and sports staff writer

Most Valuable Player

Amber Williams: Keve Aluma Aluma has already been listed as Preseason All-ACC and is a finalist for the Karl Malone Award watchlist, which recognizes the top power forward in Division I basketball. Aluma had a stint with the G League Camp at the NBA Draft and was able to practice his skills at a more competitive level. Aluma is an instrumental player for the Hokies and will be looking to finish his final year with the Hokies strong.

Devin Shepard: Keve Aluma Aluma was the best player on the Hokies’ roster last season in his first season in maroon and orange. His ability to be a threat in the post, as well as the confidence to pop out an occasional three, was the driving force of the Hokies’ offense. With his repertoire as a solid defender and passer, Aluma should only get better this season en route to a likely All-ACC first-team appearance.

Emmanuel Christian: Keve Aluma Coming off of last season, where he averaged 15.2 points and 7.9 rebounds, Keve Aluma is a strong favorite to be the most valuable player for the Hokies. Aluma will look to continue his success and elevate his game as he strives to make it to the professional level. As the leading scorer of the team last season, the Hokies will rely heavily on Aluma’s offense this season.

Defensive Player of the Year

Amber Williams: Hunter Cattoor Cattoor is heading into his third year with the Hokies and the guard has proven he is essential to Tech’s lineup. Last year, Cattoor appeared in every game for the Hokies and even put up 11 points with three 3-pointers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, proving he can be clutch in high-stakes situations. Cattoor will likely continue his trend of playing in every matchup and will hopefully continue his success for the Hokies.

Devin Shepard: Hunter Cattoor Cattoor is known more for his role as a sharpshooting guard, but he was also arguably the best defender on the team last season. Leading the team in steals and consistently locking up opposing guards, Cattoor’s quick hands and feet made things difficult for opposing teams last season.

With the likes of Isaiah Wong, Michael Devoe, Kihei Clark, Prentiss Hubb, Wendell Moore Jr. and Caleb Love on the schedule, Cattoor will have plenty of opportunities to prove his worth on the defensive side of the ball this season.

Emmanuel Christian: Lynn Kidd The 6-foot-10 transfer center out of Clemson will be heavily depended on to protect the rim and rebound for the Hokies this season. Kidd, the former four-star recruit, gives the Hokies much needed size and rim protection this season. Put in the defensive anchor role, Kidd should block a lot of shots and alter many more.

Freshman of the Year

Amber Williams: Sean Pedulla Pedulla was a huge win for the Hokies’ recruiting this year. The guard led his high school to three state tournaments and was selected as the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference’s Player of the Year for 2021.

Pedulla is considered the second-best player in Oklahoma and ranks in the top 25 for point guards nationally. Pedulla has a chance to make his mark with the Hokies early in his collegiate career.

Devin Shepard: Sean Pedulla Pedulla was the highest-rated recruit in the Hokies’ recruiting class this year, and he looks to already be showing his worth in practices this season. The freshman seems to already have claimed his spot as the backup point guard in the lineup and should have plenty of chances to show his ability running with the second unit this year.

Emmanuel Christian: Sean Pedulla The three-star point guard from Edmond, Oklahoma, is the pride of the Hokies’

recruiting class for 2021. Pedulla averaged 17.6 points per game in his senior season of high school and was named all-state twice in his high school career. Pedulla joins a new look backcourt this year and should be able to make a contribution to the Hokies in his freshman season.

notably in the NCAA Tournament, garnering the second-most points in the tournament game in the history of Virginia Tech. His career-high 28 points showed that he has found a new groove on the court and will hopefully carry that momentum into this season.

Amber Williams: John Ojiako Ojiako is entering his third season with Tech and will be looking for more playing time following a season that was underwhelming for him due to an injury. He missed the first nine games with a knee injury, but was given some opportunities to play later on. Ojiako was not given much playing time, but in his second game where he saw action, he put up a dunk against Wake Forest. If given the chance, Ojiako might be able to replicate that performance.

Devin Shepard: Nahiem Alleyne Alleyne has been a fan favorite since his emergence in 2019 as a consistent sharpshooter. He took a step last year with a bigger role and improved as a much more impactful player on both sides of the ball, averaging 11.1 points per game on the season. However, it looked as though Alleyne reached another level in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 28 points against Florida and showing a new confidence and skill level on the court.

Alleyne will try to build on his tournament outburst and should be seen as a dark horse contender for ACC player of the year.

Devin Shepard: David N’Guessan N’Guessan brings immense value as a defender; with long arms and constant effort, the 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward proved his ability in limited minutes last season. He also flashed some ability on offense by averaging 10.8 points per 40 minutes last season.

In a bigger role this year, N’Guessan will look to take a step as the most experienced player off the bench this season.

Emmanuel Christian: Nahiem Alleyne Returning junior guard Alleyne looks to improve on an impressive sophomore season, averaging 11.1 points in 22 games.

The departures of Radford, Cone and Bamisile should also give Alleyne even more opportunities this year. The solidified starter improved in every statistical category last season, and another big improvement is expected from Alleyne in his third season.

Sixth Man of the Year

Emmanuel Christian: Darius Maddox Maddox, the sophomore guard from Bowie, Maryland, will look to contribute and make an impact for the Hokies in his second season. Maddox saw limited minutes his freshman year, but should expect more time with the departures of Radford, Cone and Bamisile. With more playing time, Maddox should be a key player off the bench for the Hokies as he looks to prove himself this season.

Most Improved Player

Amber Williams: Nahiem Alleyne In the 22 games Alleyne played in for last season, he started in 21 of the contests.

Alleyne created noise on the court most

@CTSportsTalk

PAGE 12 November 2, 2021

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