for the first time in the mike young era, virginia tech is ranked

David Cunningham

November 30, 2020

BLACKSBURG, Va. — After starting the season 3-0, Virginia Tech is ranked for the first time in the Mike Young era.

The Hokies enter the AP Top 25 Poll, which was released on Monday at 12 p.m., at No. 16. It’s the first time Virginia Tech has been ranked since the final poll of the 2018-19 season after the Hokies made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

“I’d be happy about that but goodness gracious, with everything going on… don’t get too fat and happy,” Young said after the USF win when asked about being ranked on Monday. “You better keep your head down and keep chopping wood and that’s what we intend to do.”

Tech has started the season hot, running past Radford (77-62) and USF (76-58) while upsetting No. 3 Villanova in overtime on Saturday, 81-73.

The Hokies have found scoring from everywhere, with Wofford transfer Keve Aluma leading Tech with 19 points against the Highlanders and 23 against the Wildcats. Tyrece Radford scored 23 to lead the Hokies against USF after grabbing 13 rebounds against Villanova.

Like I detailed in my column after Virginia Tech stunned No. 3 Villanova, Mike Young has proved again and again that he’s the right man for the job. Though these rankings are early and might not mean much, Young has the program back in the top 25 after only being at the helm for a season and three games.

Back in Blacksburg after a fantastic weekend in Uncasville, Young & Co. turn their attention to in-state foe VMI, whom the Hokies host on Thursday from Cassell Coliseum. It will be the fourth time in 137 meetings with VMI that Tech has been ranked. VT is 3-0 in those games.

The Hokies sit behind ACC counterparts Duke (6), North Carolina (14) and Virginia (15) in the updated AP Top 25. Villanova, who the Hokies upset on Saturday, is 12. Florida State is the fifth ACC team in the Top 25 at 22.

Full AP Poll: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll