virginia tech lands three-star guard sean pedulla

Chris Hirons

October 20, 2020

EDMOND, Okla. — Sean Pedulla could have uttered the words “I’m staying home” and chased a Big 12 championship at Oklahoma State — a local school that’s only 50 minutes away from his childhood hometown.

The high school senior could have replaced top recruit Cade Cunningham at point guard next season following Cunningham’s widely expected departure for the 2021 NBA Draft.

Instead, the three-star guard will make the trip to Blacksburg, a 15-hour drive across four states and two major highways. He’ll play at Cassell Coliseum in the winter when the winds run high and snow packs the Virginia Tech sidewalks — an extoic climate compared to the usual sweltering year-round heat in Oklahoma.

Pedulla announced his commitment to Virginia Tech on Monday night, the first for head coach Mike Young and Tech’s 2021 recruiting class. He chose VT over Minnesota, Wofford, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, SMU, Colorado State, and of course, Oklahoma State.

“Basketball has taught me about life that’s connected me with great people that I’ll remain close with for my entire life,” Pedulla said in his commitment video. “There have been many ups-and-downs in this sport, but I’ll never forget the 5 a.m. shooting workouts and the late night hoop sessions with my brothers.”

His commitment to the Hokies softens the blow four-star forward Michael James left after he committed to Louisville, whom Young and his staff heavily recruited earlier this year.

During his junior season, Pedulla scored 17.2 points per game and was named to The Oklahoman’s 2020 Super 5 third team and Big All-City second team. Not only did he receive numerous local media accolades, but he also guided his high school to the Class 6A Oklahoma state tournament before the tournament was cut short for the Covid pandemic.

247Sports.com ranks the six-foot-one guard as Oklahoma’s second-best recruit and the 25th nationally ranked point guard. The recruiting website also ranks him as a three-star guard.

Pedulla’s commitment couldn’t have come at a better time for Tech, which is set to lose guards Wabissa Bede and Cartier Diarra after they graduate this spring. Though, with the newly-passed NCAA eligibility rules, Bede and Diarra could return to Blacksburg and play another season after the NCAA voted to give winter athletes an extra season of eligibility.

Pedulla said he chose VT for the family atmosphere it brought during the recruiting process and the expected minutes he’ll likely earn as a freshman next season. As the depth chart stacks up now, Pedulla will sit behind Jalen Cone and provide valuable bench minutes for the Hokies.

Breaking down Pedulla’s film, one of the first things coaches notice is his top-notch basketball IQ. He shows an impressive ability to create shots and knock them down with ease, or kick the ball out to an open teammate when the shot isn’t there. Pedulla sees the floor with almost immaculate vision and passes brilliantly to the open man.

Once Pedulla arrives at Virginia Tech, his offensive highlights will be on full display, though he’s no slouch on the defensive side of the ball. He’s known for being in the right place on defense, playing on-and-off the ball at a high level and will fit well in Young’s man-to-man defensive scheme. Pedulla has no trouble getting into passing lanes, harassing opposing guards and causing havoc on the court.

Scouts liken his offensive ability and fan-favorite personality to Joe Girard III, who in his own right, became a fan favorite for Syracuse with his high intensity on both sides of the floor.

“Sean shoots the ball extremely well,” said Pedulla’s high school coach Shane Cowherd. “He has a toughness and a little bit of a swagger, although it’s not cockiness. It’s a quiet confidence in his abilities and the abilities of his teammates.”

The confidence Pedulla possesses will dazzle the eyes and capture the hearts of Hokies fans. It’s only a matter of time until fans fall in love with the swagger Pedulla brings on-and-off the court.