The new scholarship limits going into effect starting in the 2024-25 season have allowed basketball teams to expand their rosters by two players and Virginia Tech could capitalize with the chance for a major class. The Hokies already have two Top 150 commits in tow with Christian Gurdak and Sincere Jones and three more are coming to campus this weekend. Mike Young and the Hokies have work to do to land them but the prospects in Blacksburg are drawing excitement for a reason.
Kayden Mingo is the highest rated prospect this weekend and arguably the top prospect left on the board. The talented point guard from New York, highlighted here earlier this week, is a Top 50 recruit in the class and earned that ranking from potent playmaking abilities with the ball in his hands and above average defensive efforts for a high school player. Point guard is a priority with Fabb Miller graduating and a player like Mingo could step on campus and earn immediate playing time. Penn State, Notre Dame, and Wake Forest are the schools he has already visited with some scheduled after this weekend but a decision is expected very soon.
Jordan Scott is the next highest rated and the Virginia native has been on the radar for some time. JD Byers was recruiting him before he came to Blacksburg and has helped continue the push now that he is with the Hokies. The 6’7″ wing is a versatile with his frame and has the potential to explode once he figures out how to utilize it more efficiently. Offense is more potent right now, as it is for most high school recruits, but energy is his other trademark and it helps mask some other weak spots. Maryland and Michigan State round out Scott’s top three.
Simon Walker is the final recruit this weekend but the Top 150 recruit shouldn’t be slept on just because he is the lowest of the three. Auburn, Iowa, and Butler have prioritized Simon but the Hokies have the chance to close for his final official visit this weekend. The sharpshooting wing from Alabama fits with Mike Young’s system as an off-ball shooter and player that can make midrange jumpers coming off screens. Offensely he can step in and help stretch the floor either as a partner to Jaden Schutt or a backup to come in with some similar characteristics. He is much more than just a shooter though which is why Virginia Tech is so high on him.
The Hokies can take at least two more and if any combination of two from this weekend decide they want to join the class it could be one of the top classes in Virginia Tech history. If Mingo is part of the class he would come in just behind Dorian Finney-Smith to be the second best composite recruit in Virginia Tech history. Jordan Scott would make the Top 10 in Hokies history, and Walker would be in the Top 20 range. That doesn’t even include players who are still on the radar like Ryder Frost, Jaylen Cross, and Demarco Johnson. If Virginia Tech can close it has the chance to be a special class and a big part of that happens this weekend.
