This could be the breakthrough year for Buzz Williams at Virginia Tech.
When he moved into the coaching job in Blacksburg, Williams was a rising star who had left a powerful Marquette program to join Virginia Tech in the ACC. The Hokies won just 11 games his first season. Last season, they made it to 20 wins, but only into the NIT. This season, Virginia Tech should have its first NCAA Tournament entrance under Williams.
The Hokies closed the regular season with a loss to Wake Forest. But, they have a weak bubble on their side for an at-large bid to put scorers Zach LeDay and Seth Allen into the NCAA Tournament.
Record: 21-9, 10-8
Path to the tournament: Virginia Tech enters the ACC Tournament as the No. 7 seed. The Hokies have won five of seven to close the season. Their strength of schedule is ranked just 69th and eight of their 21 wins have come against teams with an RPI of 200 or lower. Winning their first game in the ACC Tournament would serve them well.
Tournament projections: ESPN has Virginia Tech as a No. 8 seed playing in Salt Lake City. CBS has the Hokies as a No. 7 seed playing in Salt Lake City. USA Today projects Virginia Tech as a No. 9 seed that plays in Sacramento.
Up next: Wednesday, March 8 vs. Wake Forest/Boston College winner, 7 p.m., Barclays Center, New York, ESPN2
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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