Liberty looks to move to 3-0 on the year against ACC opponent Virginia Tech. Here’s what you need to know about the Hokies:
1. Buzz Williams was hired this offseason as VT’s new coach.
He spent the previous 6 season at Marquette where he went 139-69 and made the NCAA Tournament 5 of his 6 years, reaching the Elite 8 in 2013.
2. Buzz & Dale Layer are BFFs.
All I’ll say is I’ve never heard anyone speak more glowingly about another human being as Buzz does about Dale.
— Chris Lang (@ChrisLangLNA) November 13, 2014
Layer hired Williams as one of his assistants in 2000 when Dale was head coach at Colorado State. They reunited at Marquette in 2008 when Williams hired Layer to his staff.
3. The Hokies opened their season by beating Maryland Eastern Shore 71-46.
They were led by Malik Muller (6’3″ freshman guard) and Justin Bibbs (6’5″ freshman guard) who scored 15 points a piece.
4. ACC all-freshman guard Devin Wilson returns.
He started all 31 games last season while averaging 9.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. Wilson had 5 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds in 24 minutes against Maryland Eastern Shore.
5. Virginia Tech has to replace 73% of their scoring and 66% of their rebounding from a season ago. 
The Hokies lost a number of players including leading rebounder and scorer Jarell Eddie.
6. The Hokies return just one scholarship player taller than 6’4″ in Joey van Zegeren.
Van Zegeren averaged 6.4 points, 5 boards, and 1.7 blocks per game a season ago. The Hokies were outrebounded by Maryland Eastern Shore, 35-33, in the opener.
7. Expectations in Blacksburg are low.
Tech was picked to finish last in the ACC, and the administration and fans expect to struggle early as the Hokies adjust to life with Buzz Williams.
Be sure to check back after the game for our Rapid Reactions!
