The Hokies lose the recruiting battle to the Cavaliers again for an in-state point guard.
When former Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett stepped down last October, four-star guard Chance Mallory from Charlottesville de-committed from the Cavaliers and reopened his recruitment. Maryland, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Virginia Tech were all in the running, along with Virginia.
On Saturday, Virginia officially named former VCU coach Ryan Odom as the new head coach, succeeding interim coach Ron Sanchez, who was dismissed after the ACC Tournament. Odom wasted no time making an impact at his new school, and this development is especially tough news for the Hokies and head coach Mike Young.
On Saturday, Mallory re-committed to Virginia to play for Ryan Odom and continue his college career in his hometown. The 56th overall prospect in the Class of 2025, Mallory is ranked as the eighth-best point guard and the third-best player in Virginia according to On3.
The 5-foot-9 St. Anne’s Belfield School standout averaged 26 points per game this season, shooting just over 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Known for his playmaking ability, Mallory would have been a significant addition to Virginia Tech next season had he chosen to commit there.
He told On3 that ultimately, he loves Charlottesville and wanted to play for his hometown school.
Virginia Tech is now thin at the guard position for next season, especially with Brandon Rechsteiner entering the transfer portal this week, and the portal officially opening on Monday. Freshman Ben Hammond remains on the roster, and Class of 2025 recruit Sin’Cere Jones should contribute, but one thing is certain: regardless of what happens with Hammond, head coach Mike Young will need to dive into the transfer portal this spring to secure another point guard, hoping for more success than he had last year.
