Fansided

College basketball rankings: 2018-2019 FanSided preseason Top 25

By Cody Williams

DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 19: Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils look on during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 19, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 19: Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils look on during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 19, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 07: Justin Robinson #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies works down the court in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second round of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 07: Justin Robinson #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies works down the court in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second round of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
  • Last Season: 21-12, Lost in first round of NCAA Tournament
  • Notable Losses: Justin Bibbs
  • Notable Additions: Landers Nolley II, Ty Outlaw (missed last two seasons due to injury, medical issues)

Despite the fact that I have them ranked as the No. 13 team in these preseason college basketball rankings, the Virginia Tech Hokies still fit the bill as a sleeper entering the 2018-19 season. They’re a team who is without Justin Bibbs, their second-leading scorer last season, and a group that truly lacks any real size that will affect their frontcourt. Having said that, they’re going to be a tough game against anyone in the country.

Even with the departure of Bibbs, this Virginia Tech team returns a group that proved last season that they can produce. Their four returning starters, Justin Robinson, Kerry Blackshear, Ahmed Hill and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, all averaged more than 10 points per game last season. What’s more, their sixth-man from last season in Chris Clarke is back and should again play a big role for this Hokies team.

The success of Virginia Tech in the 2018-19 season will obviously hinge on the experience that this team has both at this level and with playing together. However, it will also be contingent upon guys like Alexander-Walker and Blackshear taking a step forward. They have the talent but need to make a bit of a jump to get the Hokies to the heights they have the potential to reach.

What can’t be counted out in this is head coach Buzz Williams. He’s proven to be a great coach in this sport, able to maximize the talent on his roster. With one of his most talented groups since coming to Blacksburg, watch out for this team.