LEWIS WITCHER #21
Class: Senior
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-9
Weight: 218
Hometown: Rocky Mount, Va.
Inside the numbers: Played in 30 games a year ago, starting one and averaging 8.8 minutes per game … Averaged two points and 1.4 rebounds per game … Shot 55.1 percent from the floor – best on the team – and 40 percent from the free-throw line … Blocked nine shots and had five steals.
Analyzing Witcher’s game: Tech’s staff hopes Witcher puts it together in his final season. He has the talent, but hasn’t been able to use it consistently. He’s long – tall with long arms – he’s quick and he got stronger over the offseason. He continues to refine his offensive game and expand his range, and on the defensive end, he certainly could alter a lot of shots. If he plays with aggressiveness and passion, he could be a valuable contributor in the post.
Greenberg’s take: “Lewis has every attribute to have a great senior year,” Tech coach Seth Greenberg said. “He needs to embrace his athleticism, and his ability to run and jump. He needs to assert himself. But we’re 100 percent committed to letting him finish his Virginia Tech career on a high note.”
PAUL DEBNAM #32
Class: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-3
Weight: 195
Hometown: Farmville, Va.
Inside the numbers: Played in five games a year ago for a total of five minutes … Scored four points and grabbed a rebound on the season … Went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
Analyzing Debnam’s game: Debnam has established himself as a solid walk-on who really makes his teammates work in practice, particularly Tech’s guards. He defends pretty well and he has a good shot. But his positive attitude that rubs off on the others is where he probably makes his biggest contribution to the team.
Greenberg’s take: “Paul’s a big part of our basketball team,” Greenberg said. “He’s a great teammate. He coaches in the locker room. He’s worked hard in the offseason and he’s going to compete for an opportunity to play.”
JEFF ALLEN #0
Class: Junior
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 240
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Inside the numbers: Started 33 games, averaging 30.5 minutes per game … Led the team in rebounding for the second straight year at 8.4 per game and finished third on the team in scoring at 13.7 points per game … Led or tied for the team lead in scoring on four occasions and led or tied for the team lead in rebounding in 21 games … Shot 48.8 percent from the floor, 61.1 percent from the free-throw line and 40.5 percent from beyond the 3-point arc … Led the team in blocked shots (42) and steals (61) … Also dished out 43 assists.
Analyzing Allen’s game: Allen is an immensely talented young man with the ability to dominate a game. He possesses the size and strength to be a force in the post, and displays a wide array of post moves, which enable him to be a scoring force. His long arms, combined with his size and strength, enable him to be an excellent rebounder and defender as well. He also has great hands and anticipation – he led the team in steals. The only person who can stop him is himself. If he plays with intensity and passion every time out, he could be a first-team All-ACC selection.
Greenberg’s take: “Jeff can affect the game in so many different ways, and for us to reach our potential, we need for him to be a committed defender, an elite rebounder and a player who puts great pressure on the defense every time down the floor,” Greenberg said.
TERRELL BELL #1
Class: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-6
Weight: 205
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Ga.
Inside the numbers: Played in 32 games last season, starting two and averaging 12.4 minutes per game … Averaged 2.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game … Shot just 33.3 percent from the floor and 19.4 percent from beyond the 3-point arc … Made only 45.8 percent from the free-throw line … Dished out 31 assists, blocked seven shots and had 13 steals.
Analyzing Bell’s game: Bell got buried on the bench behind All-ACC standout A.D. Vassallo at the small forward spot last year, but figures to pick up more minutes following Vassallo’s departure. He has long arms and tremendous athleticism, and interestingly, Greenberg is thinking about playing him some at power forward to create some mismatches. Though he lacks bulk, his athleticism and length could create problems for opposing power forwards.
Greenberg’s take: “Terrell’s had a great offseason,” Greenberg said. “He spent 12 weeks here in Blacksburg. He’s gotten stronger. We might play him some at the 4 and use his athleticism and length. He’s the slashing type of player who’s been successful at what we’re doing, and I’m excited about him for this season.”
DORENZO HUDSON #5
Class: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Inside the numbers: Started 24 of 34 games last year, averaging 20.6 minutes per game overall … Averaged 4.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game … Shot 36.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from beyond the 3-point arc … Shot 80 percent from the free-throw line … Had 38 assists, 19 steals and four blocked shots.
Analyzing Hudson’s game: Hudson has drawn rave reviews for his work in practice and during the offseasons, but it hasn’t quite carried over to the court – yet. Tech’s coaches expect him to be a significant contributor this season. He is a tough, physical guard and a good rebounder for a guard. The coaches think he’s a much better shooter than what he’s demonstrated in his first two years, and they like his potential on the defensive end as well. Could he be the team’s much-needed defensive stopper? That’s the question. With added confidence, he could be a breakout player this season.
Greenberg’s take: “Dorenzo had an absolutely fabulous summer,” Greenberg said. “I asked him to work on his ‘city’ game [taking people off the dribble] and he has. He’s shown leadership skills. I’m excited about the potential he has for this season.”
MALCOLM DELANEY #23
Class: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-3
Weight: 170
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Inside the numbers: Started all 34 games – the only Tech player to do so a year ago … Finished second on the team in scoring at 18.1 points per game and first on the team in assists at 4.5 per game … Led or tied for the team lead in scoring in 15 games … Also averaged four rebounds per game … Shot 38.5 percent from the floor and 35.4 percent from beyond the 3-point arc … Led the team by shooting 86.9 percent from the free-throw line … Had 50 steals and 11 blocked shots.
Analyzing Delaney’s game: Delaney earned All-ACC recognition after a terrific sophomore season. He is a world-class shooter, with tremendous range. He knows how to use screens when playing off the ball, yet has the ability to create his own shot from the point guard spot. He will be the primary focus of all defenses, so he’ll need to figure out more ways to score off the dribble. Defensively, he’s also one of the Hokies’ best players. A competitor, he has to be careful not to try and do too much.
Greenberg’s take: “Malcolm has improved each and every year he’s been here,” Greenberg said. “He’s really worked on his body in the offseason. He’s one of the elite guards in the ACC.”
JT THOMPSON #33
Class: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
Hometown: Monroe, N.C.
Inside the numbers: Played in 24 games, starting five – he missed the first part of the season with an injury … Averaged 21.8 minutes per game … Averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game … Shot 52.5 percent from the floor … Hit 62 percent from the free-throw line … Also had 23 steals, 16 assists and eight blocked shots.
Analyzing Thompson’s game: Thompson got off to a slow start last season because of hernia surgery, but played much better down the stretch. He is a little undersized to be a post player and doesn’t quite have the range to be a small forward, though he worked constantly on his shot in the offseason and Greenberg plans on giving him a lot of time at small forward. Thompson is a strong, powerful player who attacks the glass at both ends of the court, scoring mostly on stick-backs. He never shies from guarding players taller and bigger than him, and he’s fearless when it comes to drawing charges as well. He certainly figures to see plenty of time this season, regardless of whether he earns a starting job.
Greenberg’s take: “JT’s finally healthy for the first time since he’s been on this campus,” Greenberg said. “He’s athletic as any player we’ve had. He’s as strong as any power forward in our league and we expect him to have a great year.”
VICTOR DAVILA #14
Class: Sophomore
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
Hometown: Canovanas, Puerto Rico
Inside the numbers: Played in 33 games and started 10 of those in his debut season … Averaged 3.1 points and two rebounds per game … Shot 54.1 percent from the floor and 53.8 percent from the free-throw line … Blocked eight shots and had five assists … His best game came against Elon when he scored 16 points.
Analyzing Davila’s game: Davila played well early on, but seemed to hit a wall later in the season. He gives the Hokies size in the post, which this team needs. In a way, he’s like Witcher in that he needs to be more physical and aggressive. He does possess a nice array of offensive skills – maybe the best among Tech’s post players – with good footwork on his moves and decent range on his shot. He needs to use his size and athleticism more on the defensive end. Overall, Davila has a lot of tools – he just needs to be confident to use them.
Greenberg’s take: “We need for Victor to rebound the basketball,” Greenberg said. “His ability to play on the offensive end is unquestioned, but he needs to defend the post and rebound the ball. I’m convinced he’s as skilled a frontcourt player as there is in this league.”
GENE SWINDLE #42
Class: Redshirt freshman
Position: Center
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Inside the numbers: Redshirted a year ago … Averaged 18 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks his senior season of high school … Averaged 15.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots for his career.
Analyzing Swindle’s game: Swindle is a huge presence in the post – he is the biggest guy on the team. He can run for a big guy and he possesses terrific hands. Greenberg likes his work ethic as well, so if one combines that with good hands and good feet, one can see the potential for Swindle being a good player. Greenberg compares him to former Pittsburgh center Aaron Gray, who blossomed into an all-conference type of player his final two seasons with the Panthers.
Greenberg’s take: “Gene’s a huge body,” Greenberg said. “He gives us rebounding and gives us a physical presence around the basket.”
MANNY ATKINS #25
Class: Freshman
Position: Guard/forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 200
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Ga.
Inside the numbers: Averaged nearly 27 points and 11 rebounds per game in leading Tucker High to a 24-9 record … Scored 16 points in a losing effort in the Class AAAA championship game … Scored 28 points in both the semifinals and quarterfinals … Participated in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game in Savannah, Ga., in April and scored 22 points.
Analyzing Atkins’ game: Atkins played three different positions in high school – small forward, power forward and even center – but he projects as a small forward at Tech. His strength is his ability to shoot the basketball. He’ll need to get stronger and show he can hang on the defensive end, but his shooting ability could get him on the floor quickly, as the Hokies desperately need perimeter shooting.
Greenberg’s take: “Manny Atkins is tough and he can shoot the basketball,” Greenberg said. “He’s a winning player.”
BEN BOGGS #24
Class: Freshman
Position: Guard
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
Hometown: Roanoke, Va.
Inside the numbers: Played in just two games as a senior at Hidden Valley High, suffering a broken leg in the second game that ended his season … Averaged 17.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists as a junior, leading Hidden Valley to the state tournament semifinals … Was a first-team all-state selection as a junior.
Analyzing Boggs’ game: Boggs reminds most on Tech’s campus of the Jackson twins, Jim and David, who played at Tech in the mid-1990s. He’s a hard worker and a tough, hard-nosed player, and while not overly flashy in any phase, he’s simply solid in every phase. He is still working his way back from that broken leg suffered nearly a year ago.
Greenberg’s take: “Ben Boggs is everything you want in a college basketball player,” Greenberg said. “He’s got a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game. He’s a terrific teammate. He’s as tough a guy as we have on our team.”
ERICK GREEN #11
Class: Freshman
Position: Guard
Height: 6-4
Weight: 185
Hometown: Winchester, Va.
Inside the numbers: Played for Paul VI as a senior after transferring from Millbrook High in Winchester … Averaged 16.8 points and six assists per game on his way to earning first-team All-WCAC honors his senior season … Led Paul VI to the Virginia Independent School Division I championship, scoring 23 points in the championship game … Scored 20 or more points in Paul VI’s final five games … Averaged 18.5 points, three rebounds and 2.9 assists per game as a junior at Millbrook, leading the team to the state title in Group AA.
Analyzing Green’s game: Green is a pure point guard who thinks ‘pass’ first. He excels at getting everyone involved offensively, and the year at Paul VI made him better because he played against better competition. He has a nice mid-range game and has shown an ability to hit the 3. His high school coach, Glenn Farello, was more proud of his improvement on defense, though. He’s thin and will need to show he can hold up on that end of the court.
Greenberg’s take: “Erick Green is very talented. He reminds me of Zabian Dowdell as a freshman,” Greenberg said. “He’s long and he has an excellent middle game. He’s a better shooter than people realize. He has a chance to be an outstanding guard in the ACC.”
CADARIAN RAINES #4
Class: Freshman
Position: Forward
Height: 6-9
Weight: 238
Hometown: Petersburg, Va.
Inside the numbers: Averaged 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 1.8 assists per game at Petersburg High his senior season … Poured in 27 points and hit 12 of 14 shots in a game against Henrico … Led Petersburg to a 29-0 record before the team lost in the state semifinals – a game in which Raines played sparingly because of foul trouble … Shot 64 percent from the floor last season, but only 42 percent from the free-throw line … Averaged 14.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.8 blocks per game as a junior.
Analyzing Raines’ game: Raines will be out the first eight weeks because of a broken foot suffered in an offseason workout in late September. Tech will be getting an athletic player once he returns and one who continues to improve on the offensive end. His face-up game is improving – he can now go out to the free-throw line extended. Defensively, he’s a tremendous shot blocker. His defense right now is probably ahead of his offensive game.
Greenberg’s take: “Cadarian is a physical frontcourt player,” Greenberg said. “He has an ACC body as a freshman. He needs to learn how to compete every play, but it will be exciting to watch him develop this year.”
ALLAN CHANEY #3
Class: Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Inside the numbers: Played in 23 games, starting twice, at the University of Florida last season before transferring to Tech … Averaged 9.8 minutes per game … Averaged three points and 2.1 rebounds per game … Averaged 26 points and 15 rebounds per game as a senior at New London High in New London, Conn.
Analyzing Chaney’s game: Chaney will be sitting out this season to meet the NCAA’s residency requirements, but he could make the Hokies’ post players much better this season by working them hard in practice. He is a big presence inside, with an array of post skills, but he also has a decent face-up game. With his size, he can alter shots on the defensive end.
Greenberg’s take: “Allan Chaney can be as good as any player in this conference,” Greenberg said. “He’s got size and skill. He’s an instinctive offensive rebounder. He needs to use this year to commit himself to being in world-class shape and to mature. He’s a very young sophomore.”
