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Virginia Tech Men's Basketball: Crunching the Numbers Behind Their Rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 16:20 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Crunching the Numbers: How Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Measures on the Rankings – A Comprehensive Summary

The recent Sports Illustrated feature “Crunching the Numbers: How Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Measures on the Rankings and My Thoughts” offers a deep dive into the statistical reality behind the Hokies’ recent performance. Rather than simply reporting wins and losses, the article pulls apart the data that feeds into every ranking system the college basketball world relies on—AP, Coaches, Sagarin, KenPom, and the more recent ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI)—and then asks whether those numbers truly reflect the program’s trajectory.

1. The Context: A Program on the Rise

The piece opens with a snapshot of the Hokies’ 2023‑24 season, noting their 16‑14 overall record and a 9‑9 mark in ACC play. While that record might seem modest at first glance, the author reminds readers that Virginia Tech has been steadily climbing the ladder under head coach Mike Young. The article references the 2022‑23 season, when the team finished 20‑13, won the ACC tournament, and earned an at‑large bid to the NCAA tournament—an unprecedented achievement for the program.

By linking to the official Virginia Tech Athletics website, the article gives readers quick access to the team's schedule, roster, and individual player stats. This background frames the numbers that follow, illustrating that the Hokies’ recent success is not merely a fluke but a product of thoughtful recruiting and a solid coaching philosophy that emphasizes defense and disciplined offense.

2. Ranking Systems Demystified

The bulk of the article is a meticulous walk‑through of the main ranking engines:

The author explains that each model uses slightly different inputs. For instance, KenPom focuses on points per possession and defensive efficiency, whereas the AP poll is more subjective. By juxtaposing these models, the article shows that while the Hokies are still on the fringes of the top 20 in most rankings, they are consistently improving.

3. Key Metrics That Matter

Rather than just reporting standings, the article dives into the statistics that actually influence rankings:

• Offensive Efficiency: Virginia Tech averages 105.2 points per 100 possessions—slightly below the ACC median. The article notes that the Hokies have a balanced attack, but their three‑point conversion rate of 34% is below the national average.

• Defensive Efficiency: The team gives up 95.7 points per 100 possessions, ranking them in the top 25 nationally. The article attributes this to Coach Young’s aggressive zone defense and disciplined rebounding.

• Turnover Ratio: 13.5 turnovers per 100 possessions, a figure that highlights both the team's willingness to shoot and the need for improved ball‑handling.

• Rebounding: 47.1 rebounds per game, placing them in the top 30. Their inside‑court presence is a strategic advantage in many close games.

The article also explains the importance of “adjusted efficiency” – how a team performs against opponents of varying strength – and how Virginia Tech’s adjusted metrics suggest they perform better against weaker teams than the raw numbers indicate.

4. The Players Who Move the Needle

The author brings the numbers to life by spotlighting the Hokies’ leading contributors:

• Tyler Cook (Forward) – Averaging 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds, Cook’s 47% field‑goal percentage ranks in the top 10 in the ACC. His “clutch” stats—particularly his 12–3 record in the last 20 minutes of close games—are highlighted as a sign of the program’s growing confidence.

• Bryn Evans (Guard) – The primary playmaker, Evans dissects the defense with 4.8 assists per game. His 38% three‑point shooting, however, is a target for improvement as noted in the article.

• Mason McGrath (Center) – A defensive anchor, McGrath blocks 1.1 shots per game and averages 5.6 blocks per season. His presence inside is reflected in the team's defensive efficiency.

The article links to each player’s profile on the Virginia Tech site, encouraging readers to dig deeper into individual stats, career progression, and future projections.

5. Strength of Schedule and the “What‑If” Scenario

A recurring theme in the piece is the challenge of an ACC schedule. The Hokies face teams like Duke, North Carolina, and Florida State, whose power rankings often push up Virginia Tech’s strength‑of‑schedule (SOS) metrics. The article illustrates that the team’s current 9‑9 conference record might look unimpressive on paper, but when adjusted for SOS, it aligns with a 21‑st overall ranking in many models.

The author also engages in a hypothetical: what if Virginia Tech had a stronger late‑season run? Using KenPom’s “game‑by‑game” modeling, the article predicts that an additional three wins could bump the Hokies into the top 15, potentially landing them an at‑large berth for the NCAA tournament if they remain healthy.

6. My Thoughts: A Program in Transition

While the title suggests a purely analytical piece, the article closes with the author’s personal reflections. He acknowledges the steep learning curve the Hokies face as they transition from a mid‑level conference program to a perennial contender. The article argues that the program’s upward trend—reflected in improved defensive efficiency and the emergence of a “star‑corner” in Tyler Cook—signals a bright future.

He also points out the need for a “third‑quarter surge” in offensive consistency and ball‑handling. The author stresses that while rankings provide a snapshot, the true measure of progress lies in the ability to close games against top‑tier opponents.

7. Additional Resources

Throughout the article, several hyperlinks provide readers with deeper dives:

• Virginia Tech Athletics Page: Full roster, schedule, and news.
• AP Poll History: Track how the Hokies’ media ranking has evolved.
• KenPom Advanced Stats: For those who want to see the underlying methodology.
• ESPN BPI: A real‑time ranking system that updates after every game.

These links are invaluable for fans who want to follow the Hokies’ statistical journey beyond the season’s end.

Conclusion

“Crunching the Numbers” goes far beyond a surface‑level recap of Virginia Tech men’s basketball. It offers a nuanced, data‑driven portrait of a program in ascension, contextualized within the broader world of college basketball rankings. By laying out the various ranking systems, explaining the metrics that drive them, and connecting those numbers to player performances and schedule strength, the article provides readers with a richer understanding of what makes Virginia Tech’s basketball journey both compelling and complex. Whether you’re a die‑hard Hokie fan, a college‑basketball statistician, or simply curious about how rankings are calculated, this piece delivers a well‑rounded, insightful analysis that keeps you informed and engaged until the next buzzer‑beater.