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Hokies Hoops: Hansberry & Hammond Lead Charge
31 Oct
Summary
- Virginia Tech aims for NCAA Tournament with key players back.
- Coppin State prioritized defensive improvement this season.
- Season opener features Hokies vs. Eagles Tuesday night.
Virginia Tech's men's basketball squad is set to commence their season on Tuesday night in Blacksburg, Va., facing Coppin State. Head coach Mike Young expressed anticipation for his team's performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference, bolstered by the return of top scorers Amani Hansberry and Ben Hammond.
Hansberry, who averaged 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, and Hammond, with 13.2 points and 2.0 steals, are crucial for the Hokies' goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. Hansberry may see increased minutes at power forward, potentially shifting from center.
Coppin State enters its fourth year under coach Larry Stewart, whose team struggled to a 7-24 record last season, allowing a league-worst 80.4 points per game. Defense has been the Eagles' primary focus for improvement, with Stewart confident in the team's enhanced defensive identity. Stewart also noted the integration of transfers Favour Aire, Tafara Gapare, and Brendan Johnson with the returning players.
