Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 11 No. 3 | January 2019

inside.hokiesports.com 17 by Jimmy Robertson Tech men’s basketball team in position for historic spring—but needs to remain focused The question came innocuously, a simple inquisition of the importance of Justin Robinson to the Virginia Techmen’s basketball team after he had scored 12 points and handed out five assists in the Hokies’ workmanlike victory over Boston College in early January. Head coach Buzz Williams started his answer to that question in a bit of a surprising manner, at least to those used to quizzing coaches following games. “I’ve learned through 14 games more lessons from this group, including the staff, than any of the other groups that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of,” Williams said. Williams went on to give an expanded answer, crediting Robinson and discussing the freedom that he gives Robinson because of his trust in the young man. But his initial statement seemed more revealing. Maybe what he has learned is this: the Hokies are better than many thought coming into this season and maybe even him. Without question, his squad is good. With 14 wins in their first 15 games—the program’s best start to a season since 1982-83—the Hokies appear to be a team not only capable of making the NCAA Tournament when bids get announced March 16, but one with the goods to make a lengthy run. They possess talent and experience, and they make shots. They feature one of the nation’s best point guards in Robinson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker brings an NBA- type game to the floor every outing. Ahmed Hill, Ty Outlaw and Wabissa Bede give Tech a formidable perimeter, which, as many know, is a key for March success. The Hokies also defend better than many expected—a tribute to last season’s changes made by Williams and his staff. In some respects, this Tech squad resembles Williams’ 2012-13 Marquette squad. That team featured a bunch of long athletes with the ability to play multiple positions, including a high-quality player in Vander Blue and a solid point guard in Junior Cadougan. It also featured a 290-pound post monster named Davante Gardner. Marquette went unbeaten at home that season, winning with defense and not necessarily the shooting touch exhibited by Williams’ 2018-19 Hokies. A No. 3 seed, the Golden Eagles won their first two games in the NCAA Tournament by three points, cruised past No. 2 seed Miami in the regional semifinal and made it to the Elite Eight. But … let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Such talk about the Hokies is too premature and dangerous. The NCAA selection committee announces the field two months from the time of this writing. In that time span, the Hokies play Virginia twice, Florida State, Duke and North Carolina. All those teams have resided in the top 10 of The Associated Press poll at some point this season. Also, NC State looks legit, making that Feb. 2 game in Raleigh look like a tall task. And the Hokies have their flaws. They lack size, and they lack bulk. They give up too many offensive rebounds at times. Occasionally, they commit silly turnovers. They lack depth and are in a predicament every time Kerry Blackshear Jr. lands in foul trouble. Tech—and its fans, too—need to be wary of history as well. The program never has been to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. In fact, that opportunity presented itself on only two other occasions. Tech made the Big Dance in 1979 and 1980, but in 1980-1981, the Hokies finished with a modest 15-13 record and failed to make any postseason tournament. Tech made the NCAA Tournament in 1985 and 1986—Dell Curry’s junior and senior seasons—but in 1986-87, the Hokies suffered through a losing season. Those teams lacked experience, though, and some argue that history matters little anyway. Maybe that’s true … but there is this saying about counting one’s chickens. Looking ahead usually brings disappointment. The Hokies found that out earlier this season. In their first true road game, they lost at Penn State, a team winless in the Big Ten and with a sub-.500 record as of Jan. 10. Tech, though, went on a nice winning streak shortly thereafter—the perfect response. “When things don’t go well, collectively, we don’t spread out,” Alexander-Walker said. “We come together, and we fix it as a team. We don’t point fingers. It’s ‘we’ and ‘us,’ and we’re always going to move forward from that.” Everyone likes this season’s squad—Tech fans, opposing coaches, national media members, etc. Like Williams, fans continue to learn a lot about this team as the season rolls along. This group shows a nice maturity to go with their talent. Hopefully, that continues—and delivers more victories as well. , C.E.C. www.Pro f es s i See our vintage ! See our vintage Ad!