Virginia Tech Men's Basketball Looks to Retain Key Players for 2026-27 Season

Ranking the Hokies' roster based on priority to keep for next year

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:55pm

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With the 2025-26 Virginia Tech men's basketball season now over, lead editor Thomas Hughes takes a look at which players the Hokies should prioritize retaining for the 2026-27 campaign. The team went 19-13 (8-10 ACC) and lost in the first round of the ACC Tournament, declining an NIT bid. Hughes provides his thoughts on each player with eligibility remaining and where they rank in terms of importance for Virginia Tech to keep on the roster.

Why it matters

Maintaining continuity and retaining key contributors will be crucial for the Hokies as they look to end a five-year NCAA Tournament drought and make their first Big Dance appearance since 2021. Identifying the top priorities among the returning players is an important first step in Virginia Tech's offseason planning.

The details

Hughes breaks down each player with eligibility remaining, providing analysis on their 2025-26 seasons and outlooks for the future. He highlights the importance of retaining players like Ben Hammond, Amani Hansberry, and Christian Gurdak to provide stability in the frontcourt with the departure of Tobi Lawal. The article also touches on the uncertain futures of players like Izaiah Pasha and Sin'Cere Jones, who saw limited minutes this past season.

  • The 2026-27 Virginia Tech men's basketball season is still eight and a half months away.
  • The Hokies' 2025-26 season ended with a 95-89 loss to Wake Forest in the first round of the ACC Tournament.

The players

Ben Hammond

A rising junior who emerged as a key contributor in the second half of the 2025-26 season, leading the team in scoring during ACC play. Hughes identifies Hammond as the top priority for Virginia Tech to retain this offseason.

Amani Hansberry

The rising senior forward was the team's second-leading rebounder and a reliable anchor for the Hokies. With the departure of Tobi Lawal, Hansberry's role will take on even greater significance.

Christian Gurdak

The rising sophomore center saw increased playing time due to injuries and is expected to step up as the primary five with Lawal's graduation. His continuity with Ben Hammond, who he played with in high school, makes him a priority.

Tyler Johnson

The rising junior wing was described by head coach Mike Young as a "glue guy" who contributes in various ways, despite not having any standout traits. His well-rounded game makes him a valuable piece.

Neoklis Avdalas

The freshman wing showed flashes of high-level play but also struggled with consistency. Hughes believes Avdalas may opt to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, making his return to Virginia Tech uncertain.

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What they’re saying

“Though none of his traits jump out, he's proven to be a high-floor, medium-ceiling wing that is hard to replace in the transfer portal.”

— Thomas Hughes, Lead Editor

“Continuity matters, especially given that Gurdak will be stepping up as the primary five due to Lawal's graduation.”

— Thomas Hughes, Lead Editor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Maintaining continuity and retaining key contributors will be crucial for the Hokies as they look to end a five-year NCAA Tournament drought and make their first Big Dance appearance since 2021. Identifying the top priorities among the returning players is an important first step in Virginia Tech's offseason planning.