‘This Is So Sad’ Virginia Tech Basketball Fans Confirm More “Bad News” Elite Star No Longer With The Program
it was announced that transfer portal addition Hysier Miller was no longer with the Virginia Tech Basketball program. Which begs us to ask: What’s going on in Blacksburg?!
What’s happening in Blacksburg with the Virginia Tech Hokies? The Virginia Cavaliers aren’t the only team stirring up headlines with Tony Bennett’s retirement news. David Cunningham from TechSideline recently reported that Hysier Miller, a new addition from the transfer portal, has left the Virginia Tech basketball program.
This is a significant setback for the Hokies’ offensive prospects and head coach Mike Young. Miller was expected to be a key player in the rotation following his standout season with the Temple Owls in 2023-24.
Statement from #Hokies men's basketball: Hysier Miller, a point guard transfer from Temple, is no longer with the program. pic.twitter.com/brr4O5g70d
— David Cunningham (@therealdcunna) October 23, 2024
The 6-foot-1 guard seemed poised for a promising future in the ACC after making a name for himself in the AAC. Last season with the Owls, he averaged a career-high 15.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, along with hitting 2.1 three-pointers per contest.
However, due to a gambling investigation initiated last year, Miller has abruptly left the program. Reports from Pat Forde and Sports Illustrated in March indicated that a game between UAB and Temple was flagged by the gambling watchdog U.S. Integrity due to unusual betting line movements.
In the current landscape of NIL deals and daily sports betting, it appears that Miller has found himself caught up in a scandal.
With less than two weeks until the season starts, his exit leaves the Hokies with only two point guards: 6-foot-1 sophomore Brandon Rechsteiner and 5-foot-11 freshman Ben Hammond.
This marks the second time in recent weeks a player from Virginia Tech has departed; last year, Rodney Rice entered the transfer portal just before the season after learning he would not be a starter.
Rechsteiner saw action in 26 games last season, including two starts, averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 assists per game. With Miller’s departure, he will be expected to step up in his sophomore year.
Hammond may also be thrust into significant playing time early on, especially under Coach Young’s system. He joins Virginia Tech from the highly regarded Paul VI, which is the same school that produced former Hokies guard Erick Green.
Additionally, expect contributions from players who recently transferred. Ben Burnham (from Charleston) and Toibu Lawal (from VCU) both have something to prove as they join the ACC. Burnham, known for his ball-handling and perimeter play, could be a key player in the Hokies’ guard-oriented offense.
Another player to watch is Jaden Schutt, previously from Duke, who is recovering from knee surgery and will be redshirting during the 2023-24 season.
Expectations for the Hokies were already low as they approached the 2024-25 season. However, the recent news about the loss of a likely top scorer and playmaker has cast an even darker shadow over Blacksburg as the new season approaches.