Virginia Tech’s Zach LeDay saved his best for last at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. LeDay scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the prestigious post-season tournament.

LeDay’s Norfolk Sports Club team lost to Sales Systems, Ltd., 87-86, on Saturday evening on the final day of the event. The 23 points and 12 rebounds were highs for the game and his best numbers in his three games.

In the tournament, LeDay averaged 18.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He had a total of nine assists and just one turnover while averaging 29.3 minutes per game. He shot 55.0 percent from the field and was 12-of-15 from the free throw line (80.0 percent).

For more information on the tournament, click HERE

Virginia Tech’s Zach LeDay scored 12 points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds in his second game in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament on Friday night. His Norfolk Sports Club team lost to the Portsmouth Partnership team, 102-75.

LeDay played 26 minutes in the contest and had four assists with no turnovers. He was 5-of-9 from the field and made both free throw attempts. He had 21 points and 10 rebounds in his first game in the tournament.

LeDay and the Norfolk Sports Club will play their final game of the PIT on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. The four-day tournament is being played at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Virginia Tech’s Zach LeDay had a big night as the 2017 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament opened play on Wednesday.

LeDay, playing for the Norfolk Sports Club team in the four-day event, recorded a double-double, with 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead his team to a 112-106 victory over the Portsmouth Sports Club. LeDay played a team-high 31 minutes and also had two blocked shots and three assists, while not committing a turnover.

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) is in its 65^th year as a post-season all-star tournament that draws elite seniors from across the country. Scouts from the NBA and international leagues attend the tournament in Portsmouth. Over the years the P.I.T. has been a showcase for five of the 50 greatest players in NBA history (Rick Barry, Earl ‘The Pearl” Monroe, Dave Cowens, John Stockton, Scottie Pippen) and for many others who have gone on to NBA stardom including 2015 NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

LeDay is one of eight former ACC players competing in the tournament. His Norfolk Sports Club team will return to action on Friday night at 7 p.m. against Portsmouth Partnership, which features Sidy Djitte from Clemson and Davon Reed from Miami. All games are played at Churchland High School.

To read a story on the PIT from Norm Wood of the Daily Press, featuring Zach LeDay, click HERE

Virginia Tech plays No. 16/17 Florida State on Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the 2017 ACC Tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game, tipping off at 7 p.m., will be shown on ESPN and The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra (subject to blackout).

For a list of stations that will carry the game on The ACC Network, click HERE

Virginia Tech plays Wake Forest on Wednesday night in the second round of the 2017 ACC Tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game, tipping off at 7 p.m., will be shown on ESPN2 and The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra (subject to blackout).

For a list of stations that will carry the game on The ACC Network, click HERE

Virginia Tech seniors Zach LeDay and Seth Allen have earned honors from the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.

LeDay, a redshirt senior forward from Dallas, Texas, was named the ACC Sixth Man of the Year by ACSMA. He leads the Hokies in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots this season. He started five of the team’s 30 games to date and scored in double figures in 28 of the 30 games. He leads Tech with five double-doubles this season and has scored 20-or-more points in five games.

He is joined by teammate Allen as honorable mention All-ACC. Both received honorable mention in voting by the ACC, as Allen was that group’s Sixth Man of the Year.

Virginia Tech hosts Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon in Cassell Coliseum. The game, tipping off at 4:30 p.m. will be shown on regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra (subject to blackout).

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech travels to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts on Saturday, Feb. 25 to take on Boston College. The game, tipping off at 4 p.m., in Conte Forum, will be shown on regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra (subject to blackout).

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech travels to No. 8/7 Louisville on Saturday, Feb. 18. The game, tipping off at 1 p.m., in the KFC Yum! Center, will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra (subject to blackout).

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech travels to Coral Gables to play Miami on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The game, tipping off at 9 p.m., in the Watsco Center, will be shown on regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra (subject to blackout).

For a list of networks that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech travels to No. 9/11 Virginia on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The game, tipping off at 8 p.m., in John Paul Jones Arena, will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra and theACC.com (subject to blackout).

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech hosts Georgia Tech on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The game, tipping off at 9 p.m., in Cassell Coliseum, will be shown on regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra.

For a list of networks that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech hosts No. 20/20 Notre Dame on Saturday, Jan. 14. The game, tipping off at 2 p.m., in Cassell Coliseum, will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC.com and The ACC Network Extra.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

No. 21/23 Virginia Tech travels to No. 12/13 Florida State on Saturday, Jan. 74. The game, tipping off at 2 p.m., in the Donald L. Tucker Center, will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on The ACC Network Extra.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

No. 21/23 Virginia Tech travels to NC State on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The game, tipping off at 9 p.m., in PNC Arena, will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on theACC.com.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

iHeartMedia Richmond, Virginia Tech and IMG announced Friday a four-year extension to their radio broadcast agreement to air the university’s football games on FOX Sports 910, Richmond’s Sports station. The agreement will also bring the university’s football and men’s basketball coverage to 96.1 The Planet, Richmond’s Classic Rock station, marking the first time the games will simulcast on FM broadcast radio.

The enhanced four-year extension will continue game coverage through the 2020 season and will include pregame shows, play-by-play coverage during games, post game programming and a coaches’ show on FOX Sports 910. In addition, 96.1 The Planet will broadcast its first Virginia Tech football game on Saturday, September 3.

“We’ve been partners with Virginia Tech and IMG for 10 years, and adding sports coverage on an FM signal for the first time is a great way to enhance our partnership,” said Rick Green, Area President of Virginia for iHeartMedia. “In addition to broadcasting Virginia Tech’s games on FOX Sports 910, now we can bring our coverage to even more Hokie fans in the region through 96.1 The Planet.”

“Virginia Tech is thrilled to continue our tremendous partnership with iHeartMedia Richmond and FOX Sports 910,” said Jon Laaser, Director of Broadcast Services for the Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. “We are continually looking for ways to provide improved sound and reach to Hokie Nation in Richmond. Our new relationship with 96.1 The Planet will achieve that, and we are excited for Hokies to experience Virginia Tech broadcasts that way in the years to come.”

The iHeartMedia Richmond region consists of eight brands, including Mix 98.1, XL102, 106.5 The Beat, Big 98.5, 96.1 The Planet, NewsRadio 1140 WRVA and Fox Sports 910. The iHeartMedia Richmond region is a leading media outlet in Virginia and surrounding areas.

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Athletics Department entered into its first year with men’s and women’s basketball staffing support provided by Rhino Sports & Entertainment Services, and through a combined effort, the Virginia Tech ushers were named the “No. 1 Usher Team” in college basketball by Ephus 21, an independent third-party evaluation company.

Ephus 21 is the industry leader in measuring the effectiveness of collegiate athletics programs’ management of the game-day experience through a service named VenueChek. During the 2015-16 basketball season, VenueChek visited more than 30 venues and the Virginia Tech game experience ranked at the top of the list.

This partnership with Rhino resulted in a great experience for Hokies fans and it also provided part-time employment opportunities for approximately 1,000 individuals from Blacksburg, Roanoke, and surrounding areas in Southwest Virginia.

“It makes me proud when we can provide this level of service to a great institution like Virginia Tech, which is what they have been looking for,” Rhino Vice President Brett Hickman said. “We have great staff who enjoy working in a fun environment and that results in a fan-friendly atmosphere. I am excited to continue hiring more part-time employees from the Blacksburg area so that we can achieve similar results during the 2016 football season.”

On Saturday, a job fair and “quick interview” session will be conducted at Roanoke’s Valley View Mall in the West Court. Interested applicants should arrive between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. In addition, Rhino will hold a second job fair on Saturday, May 28 at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to working with Virginia Tech at Cassell Coliseum and Lane Stadium, Rhino also will assist the Hokies with events at other Virginia Tech venues throughout the year.

“Hiring from the communities that we serve is a priority for us,” Rhino owner Billy D. Prim said. “We want to provide employment opportunities in the local areas that are so important to our partners. Our customer service training not only benefits our clients like Virginia Tech Athletics, but also is a valuable tool for our employees to use in their full-time jobs. Rhino staff will be seamlessly integrated into the game-day experience and proudly say, ‘Go Hokies’ alongside other fans.”

Applicants also may contact the Rhino hiring headquarters by sending an email to employmentVT@rhino-ses.com or by calling 540-784-1955.

The Hokies will host the Princeton Tigers in the first round of the 2016 National Invitation Tournament tonight in Cassell Coliseum. Tip time is 8 p.m. and the game will be televised by ESPNU.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to maroon to tonight’s game.

Tickets are still available from the Virginia Tech Athletics Ticket Office in Lane Stadium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and children under 18 years of age. Tickets will be sold up until game time, or until supplies run out. The Cassell Coliseum Ticket Office will open at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

For a link to purchase tickets on-line, please click here: http://vthoki.es/NITTix.

All seats are general admission. Parking for the game is first-come, first-served in lots around campus. There will be some restricted areas, but Cassell, South End Zone, Chicken Hill and Track lots are open to the public. Regular season shuttles will be utilized.

The winner of tonight’s game will face the winner of the BYU-UAB game in the second round. Date, time and location will be announced on Thursday.

For a printable bracket for the 2016 NIT, please click here: http://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/gametool/brackets/2016_nit_bracket.pdf

Virginia Tech will face 11^th seed Florida State in the second round of the 2016 New York Life ACC Tournament. The game will tip-off after 9 p.m. on Wednesday night at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Florida State defeated Boston College, 88-66, in the first round on Tuesday afternoon.

The Hokies, seeded sixth in the tournament, received an opening-round bye in the event. The game will be televised live by both ESPN2 and The ACC Network.

The winner of the Virginia Tech – Florida State game will play third-seed Miami at 9 p.m. on Thursday night in the tournament quarterfinals. The Hokies enter the tournament 18-13 overall and finished 10-8 in the ACC regular season.

Virginia Tech hosts No. 7/7 Miami on Saturday, March 5 in Cassell Coliseum. The game, tipping off at 4 p.m., will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech hosts Florida State on Saturday, Feb. 20 in a sold-out Cassell Coliseum. The game, tipping off at 3 p.m., will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech travels to Miami on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The game, tipping off at 9 p.m., will be shown on the following regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a link to the TheACC.com listings, click here

REGIONAL NETWORK

• FOX Sports South

• FOX Sports Carolinas

• FOX Sports Sun

• FOX Sports Midwest Plus

• FOX Sports Indiana Plus

• Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic

• YES

• NESN

• ROOT Sports Pittsburgh

• SportsTime Ohio

• FOX Sports Detroit

• FOX Sports North Plus

• FOX Sports Wisconsin – Delay – Thu 2/18 at 2pm ET/1pm CT

• FOX Sports Southwest Plus

• FOX Sports Arizona

• FOX Sports San Diego

• FOX Sports Prime Ticket

• ROOT Sports Rocky Mtn. – Same Day Delay – 12am ET/10pm MT

• ROOT Sports Northwest – Same Day Delay – 2am ET/11pm PT

Virginia Tech travels to Charlottesville tonight to take on the Cavaliers. The game, tipping off at 8 p.m., will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech hosts Clemson on Saturday, Feb. 6. The game, tipping off at 4 p.m., will be shown on the following regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a link to the TheACC.com listings, click here

*Fans in the Mid-Atlantic area, please be aware of the Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic plans for broadcasting the game.

REGIONAL NETWORK

• FOX Sports South

• FOX Sports Carolinas

• FOX Sports Florida

• FOX Sports Midwest Plus

• FOX Sports Indiana Plus

• Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (following Capitals coverage) AND CSN Plus (will start on time and air in full)

• YES

• NESN

• ROOT Sports Pittsburgh

• SportsTime Ohio

• FOX Sports San Diego

• FOX Sports Prime Ticket

• ROOT Sports Rocky Mtn. – Same Day Delay – 1am ET/11pm MT

• ROOT Sports Northwest – Same Day Delay – 3am ET/12am PT

RSN Package

FOX Sports Carolinas (FS Carolinas) - covers the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

FOX Sports South (FS South) - covers six states in the southeastern portion of the country: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Fox Sports Sun (SUN) or FOX Sports Florida (FS Florida) - both cover the state of Florida.

Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (CSN Mid-Atlantic) - covers the states of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

New England Sports Network (NESN) - covers the New England states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Virginia Tech travels to Syracuse tonight to take on the Orange. The game, tipping off at 8 p.m., will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE

Virginia Tech hosts No. 16/14 Louisville tonight in Cassell Coliseum. The game, tipping off at 8 p.m., will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

National retail mortgage lender launches sweepstakes for 2016-17 men’s basketball season tickets

BLACKSBURG - Quicken Loans, the nation’s second largest retail mortgage lender, today announced a partnership with Virginia Tech, becoming the proud mortgage provider of Virginia Tech Athletics. To celebrate the new partnership, Quicken Loans is launching a sweepstakes giving fans the opportunity to win tickets for the 2016-17 men’s basketball season.

“We believe we’re bringing two great teams together – Quicken Loans and Virginia Tech Athletics – proven winners on and off the court,” Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer for Quicken Loans, said. “This partnership is all about offering new and engaging opportunities for supporters to rally around Hokie Nation and build on its impressive legacy. We’re beyond thrilled to work with Virginia Tech Athletics to bring fans a winning combination.”

Quicken Loans understands the importance of home field advantage and as a result has launched an exclusive fan sweepstakes, offering the opportunity to win 2016-17 Virginia Tech men’s basketball season tickets. The sweepstakes is running now through April 1. To be eligible, contestants must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. To enter, visit http://www.hokiesports.com/quickenloans and complete the entry form provided.

“Quicken Loans is no stranger to delivering excitement to collegiate athletics through fun and unique events, such as hosting the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic – the first college basketball game on an active aircraft carrier, and offering a billion dollars for a perfect men’s college basketball championship bracket. We look forward to meeting and cheering alongside all the Hokies out there,” Farner added.

About Quicken Loans

Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc. is the nation’s second largest retail home mortgage lender. The company closed $200 billion of mortgage volume across all 50 states since 2013. Quicken Loans generates loan production from web centers located in Detroit, Cleveland and Scottsdale, Arizona. The company also operates a centralized loan processing facility in Detroit, as well as its San Diego-based One Reverse Mortgage unit. Quicken Loans ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Primary Mortgage Origination” in the United States by J.D. Power for the past six consecutive years, 2010 – 2015, and highest in customer satisfaction among all mortgage servicers in 2014 and 2015.

Quicken Loans was named among the top-30 companies on FORTUNE magazine’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the last 12 consecutive years, ranking No. 12 in 2015. It has been recognized as one of Computerworld magazine’s ’100 Best Places to Work in IT’ the past 11 years, ranking No. 1 in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The company moved its headquarters to downtown Detroit in 2010, and now more than 10,000 of its 15,000 team members work in the city’s urban core. For more information about Quicken Loans, please visit QuickenLoans.com, on Twitter at @QLnews, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/QuickenLoans.

Virginia Tech travels to Notre Dame on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The game, tipping off at 7 p.m., will be shown on the following regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a link to the TheACC.com listings, click here

REGIONAL NETWORK

• FOX Sports South

• FOX Sports Carolinas

• FOX Sports Florida – South Florida

• FOX Sports Sun – Central and North Florida

• FOX Sports Midwest Plus

• FOX Sports Indiana Plus

• Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic Plus

• MSG Plus

• NESN

• ROOT Sports Pittsburgh

• SportsTime Ohio

• FOX Sports Detroit Plus

• FOX Sports North Plus

• FOX Sports Wisconsin

• FOX Sports Southwest Plus

• FOX Sports Arizona

• FOX Sports San Diego

• FOX Sports Prime Ticket

• ROOT Sports Rocky Mtn.

• ROOT Sports Northwest

RSN Package

FOX Sports Carolinas (FS Carolinas) - covers the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

FOX Sports South (FS South) - covers six states in the southeastern portion of the country: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Fox Sports Sun (SUN) or FOX Sports Florida (FS Florida) - both cover the state of Florida.

Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (CSN Mid-Atlantic) - covers the states of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

New England Sports Network (NESN) - covers the New England states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Virginia Tech hosts Wake Forest on Wednesday, Jan. 12. The game, tipping off at 9 p.m., will be shown on the following regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a link to the TheACC.com listings, click here

REGIONAL NETWORK

• FOX Sports South

• FOX Sports Carolinas

• FOX Sports Sun

• FOX Sports Midwest

• FOX Sports Indiana

• Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic Plus

• MSG Plus

• NESN

• ROOT Sports Pittsburgh

• FOX Sports Detroit

• FOX Sports North Plus

• FOX Sports Southwest – JIP approx. 10pm ET in Houston, San Antonio, Arkansas

• FOX Sports Arizona

• ROOT Sports Rocky Mtn.

• ROOT Sports Northwest

RSN Package

FOX Sports Carolinas (FS Carolinas) - covers the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

FOX Sports South (FS South) - covers six states in the southeastern portion of the country: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Fox Sports Sun (SUN) or FOX Sports Florida (FS Florida) - both cover the state of Florida.

Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (CSN Mid-Atlantic) - covers the states of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

New England Sports Network (NESN) - covers the New England states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Virginia Tech travels to Durham to take on Duke on Saturday, Jan. 9. The game, tipping off at noon, will be shown on The ACC Network. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

For a list of stations that will carry the game, click HERE.

Virginia Tech hosts NC State on Saturday, Jan. 2. The game, tipping off at 2 p.m., will be shown on the following regional sports networks. The game will also be shown on-line on ESPN3, subject to blackout.

REGIONAL NETWORK

• FOX Sports South

• FOX Sports Carolinas

• FOX Sports Sun

• FOX Sports Midwest Plus

• FOX Sports Indiana Plus

• Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic

• MSG Plus

• NESN

• ROOT Sports Pittsburgh

• SportsTime Ohio

• FOX Sports Detroit Plus

• FOX Sports North

• FOX Sports Wisconsin

• FOX Sports Southwest Plus

• FOX Sports San Diego

• FOX Sports Prime Ticket

• ROOT Sports Rocky Mtn.

• ROOT Sports Northwest

RSN Package

FOX Sports Carolinas (FS Carolinas) - covers the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

FOX Sports South (FS South) - covers six states in the southeastern portion of the country: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Fox Sports Sun (SUN) or FOX Sports Florida (FS Florida) - both cover the state of Florida.

Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (CSN Mid-Atlantic) - covers the states of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

New England Sports Network (NESN) - covers the New England states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

When the newest NCAA stats were release on the morning of Dec. 14, Justin Bibbs took over the national lead in three-point field goal percentage.

The sophomore wing from Dayton, Ohio, has made 25 of 40 three-point attempts this season for 62.5 percent. That’s best among NCAA Division I players. Lorenzo Cugini of High Point is second at 61.0 percent and Wayne Selden Jr., of Kansas is third at 60.0 percent. The next highest ACC player listed is Michael Gbinije of Syracuse at 50.7 percent.

The NCAA requires that a player make at least 2.5 three-pointers per game to be ranked and when Bibbs tied his career high of five three-pointers in Sunday’s 88-53 win over Lamar, he met the minimum and took his spot at the top of the list.

The Hokies are off during this week for exams, but return to action on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. against Grambling State in Cassell Coliseum.

On Saturday night, when Virginia Tech and VMI returned to the Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum for the second half, Tech head coach Buzz Williams was wearing his admiration for Frank Beamer.

At the half, Williams had changed out of his plaid sports coat and tie and donned a maroon, long-sleeved t-shirt with a photo of Coach Beamer on the front and the words “Home Grown Legend”. On the back was “It’s Been a Great 29 Years.”

Williams had the shirt specially made. Nothing mass-produced, just his heartfelt sentiment for his coaching colleague. In his postgame radio interview, Williams had these words to say about Coach Beamer.

“I wasn’t able to see all the game, obviously, in preparation for this game, but I was cheering for all of those guys, not only Coach Beamer,” he said. “Cheering for all of those assistants, cheering for all of those assistants’ wives, cheering for all their children.

“I want to honor Coach today, yesterday, last week. I want to honor Coach a year from now. Doesn’t mean I won’t be cheering for the next group of guys that come in, but I want to be a “coaches coach,” and if there is an example in the encyclopedia of what it means to do right as a person and do right as a coach, I think you’d have a hard time finding one better than Coach Beamer.”

The Virginia Tech men’s basketball game against VMI on Saturday, Nov. 21 will tip-off at 7 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum. The tip time was established after learning the Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina football game will kick-off at noon in Lane Stadium.

Here are some tweets about last night's scrimmage in Cassell Coliseum. The Hokies open the 2015-16 regular season on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum, as they host Alabama State. The game is part of the Emerald Coast Classic. To purchase tickets, please call or visit the Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-VATECH4 or go online to Hokietickets.com.

​

Thank you @TeamCoachBuzz & @VT_MBBall 4 hosting food drive at last night's @virginia_tech scrimmage #backpackfeeding pic.twitter.com/4WYcP5hM8p

— Micah's Backpack (@micahsbackpack) November 5, 2015

Got a nice look at @VT_MBBall tonight. Definitely impressed, excited for the season. This team will be very competitive. #Hokies

— Tony Spradlin (@T_Sprad3) November 5, 2015

Supporting @vt_mbball at their open practice! #HokieNation 🏀🦃 pic.twitter.com/bWFOXef6Z9

— VT Volleyball (@VT_VBall) November 5, 2015

@VT_MBBall can we get some more of this? pic.twitter.com/UaZSV4ClUu

— Cassell Guard (@CassellGuardVT) November 4, 2015

Here for @VT_MBBall's open practice. Buzz addressing students, tells them he needs them to bring Lane Stadium into Cassell Coliseum.

— Kyle Bailey (@TheClubhouseKB) November 4, 2015

Open practice for @VT_MBBall getting fans fired up is HC @TeamCoachBuzz @KevaneyMartin @jeffarcherWFXR @WFXRsports pic.twitter.com/I9TNFCv0VL

— Jermaine Ferrell (@JermaineFerrell) November 4, 2015

We can't wait for @TeamCoachBuzz and the @VT_MBBall scrimmage! #WeAreOneCG pic.twitter.com/aGsyiq8j5B

— Cassell Guard (@CassellGuardVT) November 4, 2015

Spurred on by a social media exchange between Virginia Tech student Tyler Britt and head coach Buzz Williams, Tech students were treated to a fun, engaging two-plus hours of basketball on Wednesday night on the Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum.

Emceed by Williams, the evening featured the team playing multiple “games”. Each game was a situational period set up to test various aspects of a regular game. In between “games”, the nearly 500 people in attendance were involved in a number of student audience participation contests, with the winners earning prizes.

Along with the fun, the students also donated goods to Micah’s Backpack, a local charity that provides direct food assistance for children from low-income families. Every Friday during the school year, the identified students receive a backpack filled with two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, snacks, juice and milk boxes, and an educational piece. For more information on Micah’s Backpack, click here.

The Hokies open the 2015-16 regular season on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum, as they host Alabama State. The game is part of the Emerald Coast Classic. To purchase tickets, please call or visit the Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-VATECH4 or go online to Hokietickets.com.

Below is a photo gallery of all the evening’s entertainment.

A few fifth-graders at Kipps Elementary School in Blacksburg got a treat during recess the other day, as members of the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team and the HokieBird dropped by to play a little pick-up basketball. Here’s a great HokieVision video of the fun day for both the players and the students.

Remember, season tickets are now on sale for the upcoming season. To purchase tickets, please call or visit the Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-VATECH4 or go online to Hokietickets.com

On Friday night, Oct. 23, the Hokies hosted the National Bank of Blacksburg Men’s Basketball Tip-Off Banquet at the Hahn Hurst Basketball Practice Facility on the Virginia Tech campus. More than 360 attendees were treated to outstanding food and conversation, as the Hokies begin in earnest the 2015-16 season.

Guest speaker Will Johnston and keynote speaker Buzz Williams captivated and entertained the audience. The program also featured a number of video presentations and fun live and silent auctions.

We hope to see you on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., as the Hokies officially open the 2015-16 season and host Alabama State at Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum. To purchase tickets, please call or visit the Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-VATECH4 or go online to Hokietickets.com.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team hosted the second annual Hokies Hoops & Heels, an event that brings women from throughout the community to the Hahn Hurst Basketball Practice Center to learn more about the game, the program and the individuals.

Hokies Hoops & Heels is an interactive morning geared towards helping, not only the level of basketball knowledge, but the level of involvement on the community with the program. Hokie players and coaches were involved in not just teaching the Xs and Os of the game, but the Hokie Way of doing things.

Approximately 100 women were divided into groups and shown every detail of what makes Virginia Tech Basketball so special. This group of Hokie fans were embedded into every facet of the program, from technology, to strength & conditioning and game plans. A popular new station this season was a Q & A with head coach Buzz Williams and his wife Corey.

These women will be invited to a game this season, where more instruction and dialogue will take place. Hokies Hoops & Heels is quickly becoming a highlight on area female Hokie fans’ schedules.

Here are some tweets we received following last night's #HokieHoller

@VT_MBBall needs to put me on the phones some more https://t.co/EvDITYJyf8

— Justin Robinson (@5Alive_) September 29, 2015

@VT_MBBall @TeamCoachBuzz @TeamCoachBuzz @VTPromos Sorry I missed your call guys; you better believe I'm re-upping my season tics! GO HOKIES

— Peyton Hash (@pchash2014) September 29, 2015

Enjoyed helping @VT_MBBall and @TeamCoachBuzz help promote the upcoming hoops season! #HokieHoller #ThisIsHome pic.twitter.com/DMEsfWynhY

— Clark Ruhland (@Hokie20) September 28, 2015

Casually hanging out with Coach Buzz Williams while he calls people about season tickets 😱 @VT_MBBall #HokieHoller

— Carolyn Vickers (@carolyn_vickers) September 28, 2015

@VT_MBBall lot of fun! Let's get Cassell rocking!

— Jon Laaser (@LazeVT) September 28, 2015

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, Sept. 15 for the Emerald Coast Classic basketball tournament Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 27-28, which is headlined by top teams from across the country including Illinois, Iowa State, Virginia Tech and UAB.

Fans can purchase tickets by calling 850-729-5379 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or by going to the official tournament site www.emeraldcoastclassic.com.

The semifinal round games on Nov. 27 feature Virginia Tech vs. Iowa State at 7 p.m. followed by UAB against Illinois at 9:30 p.m. Both games will be televised live on CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports.

The championship game Nov. 28 will tip off at 7 p.m. at The Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College and also will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.

First and second-round games will be played at on-campus sites Nov. 14 through Nov. 23.

To purchase men’s basketball season tickets for the 2015-16 season, including the Hokies’ two home games in the Emerald Coast Classic, please visit hokietickets.com or call the ticket office at 540-231-6731 or 1-800-VATECH4.

CBS Sports Network will televise the semifinal round and championship game of the second annual Emerald Coast Classic basketball tournament, which is headlined by top teams from across the country including Illinois, Iowa State, UAB and Virginia Tech.

“We’re excited to have the game on national television on CBS Sports Network,” said tournament director Maury Hanks, who is also the chief executive officer for Global Sports. “CBS Sports Network provides extensive coverage of college basketball throughout the season and we’re pleased that the Emerald Coast Classic will be showcased on the Network.”

The semifinal round games on Nov. 27 feature Virginia Tech vs. Iowa State at 7 p.m. Eastern time followed by UAB against Illinois at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.

The championship game will tip off at 7 p.m. Eastern time at The Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College.

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports, is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers, and via satellite on DIRECTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158.

For more information, and to access the CBS Sports Network channel finder, go to www.cbssportsNetwork.com.

Alabama State, Chattanooga, Chicago State and Jacksonville State round out the eight-team field competing in the Emerald Coast Classic, presented by Global Sports.

First and second-round games will be played at on-campus sites Nov. 14 through Nov. 23, with the third round and championship round scheduled Thanksgiving weekend on Nov. 27-28 at Northwest Florida State College. Iowa State and UAB played in the 2015 NCAA Tournament, while Illinois competed in the 2015 NIT.

First-year coach Steve Prohm inherits an Iowa State program that has four starters back from last year's team which posted a 25-9 record en route to winning the 2015 Big 12 Conference Tournament for the second straight year. Senior forward Georges Niang, who earned third team All-American honors, leads the Cyclones who were ranked No. 9 in the final 2015 Associated Press poll. Junior point guard Monte Morris, a second-team All-Big 12 choice, lead the NCAA for the second straight season in assist-to-turnover ratio (4.6).

UAB, under fourth-year coach Jerod Haase, has all five starters back from last year's team which went 20-16 while capturing the Conference USA Tournament and upsetting No. 3 seed Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior guard Robert Brown, the MVP of the Conference USA Tournament, heads the returning cast of veterans.

Illinois, which has participated in post-season play 14 times in the last 16 seasons, has three starters returning for third-year head coach John Groce, from its 2014-15 team that went 19-14. Junior guard Malcom Hill, an honorable mention all-Big Ten choice in 2014-15, returns for his third year as a starter after averaging 14.4 points for the Fighting Illini.

Virginia Tech welcomes a top 20 recruiting class to go along with four returning starters as it enters Buzz Williams' second season as head coach. In addition, juniors Seth Allen and Zach LeDay join the Hokies after sitting out last season. Rising sophomore Justin Bibbs won a gold medal this summer with the USA Under 19 team that won the FIBA World Championship.

Following 40 competitive minutes during which neither the USA or Croatia could pull away, the USA rolled in the five minutes of overtime and defeated Croatia, 79-71, in the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship gold medal game Sunday night in Heraklion, Greece.

The win marks a second consecutive FIBA U19 world title for the Americans who also won the event in 2013.

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs did not play in the gold medal game for Team USA. During the tournament, Bibbs averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 assists per game. He also started one game in the event.

Jalen Brunson, who finished the seven game championship averaging 14.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and team-highs of 5.6 assists and 2.1 steals a game, was named the Most Valuable Player of the FIBA U19 World Championship. Joining Brunson on the five-member All-Tournament Team was the USA's Harry Giles, who averaged during the tournament a double-double of 14.0 points and 10.6 rebounds a game.

The USA owned a narrow, 15-13, lead after the first quarter, and was ahead 34-31 at halftime.

The Americans looked on the verge of blowing the game open when they started the third quarter with a 13-6 scoring run that increased the U.S. advantage to 47-37 4:18 left in the third quarter.

Getting six points from the foul line, Croatia rallied and reeled off eight consecutive points to close the gap to 47-45. Brunson stopped the run with a 3, but Croatia scored the last hoop of the period, and heading into the fourth quarter the USA led 50-47.

The two teams traded baskets for most of the final 10 minutes and there were several tied scores and lead changes.

With the USA trailing 61-60, Jackson made his second 3-pointer of the game to push the U.S. ahead 63-61. Croatia's Luka Bozic countered with a 3 of his own to regain the lead for Croatia, 64-63, and Brunson connected on a short jumper to give the USA a 65-64 lead with 1:38 left.

Jackson found Giles inside for a basket, and the USA's lead was three, 67-64 with 51 seconds showing on the clock.

Croatia scored to cut the lead to one, 67-66, with 47 second to go, and following a U.S. miss with 25 seconds remaining, Croatia worked for a final shot and appeared on the verge of pulling the upset when Bozic was fouled with 4.3 seconds left in the game. Bozic made his first free throw to even the score 67 all, but missed his second try and the USA came up with the rebound but missed a deep 3 to force overtime.

Brunson got the USA offense going in overtime with a fast-break layup, and after Tatum scored with 3:41 left in OT, the USA had a 71-67 lead.

Croatia's scoring troubles in overtime continued, and meanwhile, the USA got two points from Chinanu Onauku and Giles, and Brunson added four more as the USA outscored Croatia 12-4 in overtime to take the 79-71 decision.

Brunson led four Americans in double figures with 14 points. Giles posted another double-double with 13 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Nic Slavica led Croatia with 23 points.

Team USA defeated host Greece, 82-76, in the semifinals of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship, on Saturday. The tournament is being played Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

With the victory, the U.S. advances to face Croatia in the gold medal game of the tournament on Sunday afternoon. Team USA defeated Croatia, 103-81, in a Group A game in the tournament last Sunday.

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs played sparingly in the win over Greece. Jalen Brunson lead all scorers with 30 points, while Harry Giles recorded another double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Tyler Dorsey scored 23 points and Vasilis Charalampopoulos added 21 points for Greece.

In earning the victory, the USA shot 48.3 percent from the field and made 6-of-16 three-point shots. The USA again controlled the glass, outrebounding Greece 44-33. Greece shot a cool 41.4 percent for the game, but made 10-of-25 three-pointers. Greece committed 19 turnovers, while the USA recorded 22.

Played in front of a sold-out and raucous Greek crowd, neither team was able to break away from the other. The biggest U.S. lead was 10 several times, and was five for Greece in the first period.

Brunson's 30-point performance were the fourth-most points by a U.S. player in U19 competition history, Making 9-of-13 from the field overall, 2-of-5 from 3-point, and 10-of-12 from the foul line, Brunson also recorded four assists in 31 minutes of action.

The gold medal game will be played at 1:30 p.m. EDT and will be televised by ESPNU. Team USA will be looking for a second consecutive world title.

Team USA defeated Italy, 86-65 in the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship, on Friday morning. The tournament, being played Heraklion, Crete, Greece, concludes on Sunday.

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs played 15 minutes for Team USA, scoring two points and grabbed four rebounds. Jalen Brunson lead four USA players in double figures with 17 points. Harry Giles added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Diego Flaccadori led Italy with 21 points.

Team USA once again shot well from the field, making 32 of 59 field goal attempts, good for 54.2 percent, and shot 55.6 percent from three-point range. The taller Americans ruled the boards, claiming a 47-28 advantage on the glass. All 11 U.S. players that saw action scored in the contest.

With the victory, the U.S. (5-0) advances to play Saturday in the medal round semifinal versus 5-0 host Greece, 70-59 winners over Spain on Friday. Game time is 1:30 p.m. EDT and will be shown on ESPNU.

Team USA used a stifling defense and hot shooting to rout Argentina, 93-45, at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship, The tournament is being played Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 26-July 5.

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs played 14 minutes for Team USA, scoring three points, and dished out a game-high five assists. Harry Giles recorded a double-double to lead the Americans, with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Jayson Tatum scored 14 points and Allonzo Trier added 13 points in the win. Fernand Zurbriggen was the only player from Argentina in double figures, with 13 points.

All 12 USA players scored in the victory over Argentina, with eight scoring between six and the game-high 17 points.

Team USA held Argentina to just 21.0 percent from the field, including 17.4 percent from three points range. USA made 58.1 percent of its field goal attempts and out rebounded Argentina, 53-27. The U.S. compiled 21 assists for the game and was credited with 15 steals.

With the victory, the U.S. (4-0) advances to play Friday in the medal round quarterfinal versus 3-1 Italy, 82-73 winners over Dominican Republic on Wednesday. The game will tip-off at 11:15 a.m. EDT and televised by ESPNU on tape delay at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

A pair of Virginia Tech men’s basketball alumni will be playing in NBA Summer Leagues in July.

Erick Green, who plays for the Denver Nuggets, is on the team’s summer league team roster for the Las Vegas league. Green appeared in 43 games for the Nuggets last season, averaging 3.4 points per game. He was a second round selection of the Utah Jazz in the 2013 NBA Draft, but traded to Denver on draft night.

Jarell Eddie, a 2014 graduate of Virginia Tech, will play for the Indiana Pacers team in the Orlando summer league. Eddie played for the Austin Spurs in the NBA Development league, after being on the Atlanta Hawks roster during the preseason. He had a 10-day contract with the Hawks in early March. While with Austin, he won the 2015 NBA D-League Three-Point Contest during the league's All-Star weekend festivities. He played for the Washington Wizards Summer League team last July.

Team USA finishes a perfect 3-0 in Group A, as it defeated Egypt, 92-50, in the team’s third and final game of group play, at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship, The tournament, which begin on Saturday, is being played Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 26-July 5.

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs played 12 minutes for Team USA, scoring four points, making both of his field goal attempts. He also had two assists and a steal in the victory. Three players, Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles and Caleb Swanigan scored 13 points apiece to lead five USA players in double figures. Giles recorded a double-double, pulling down 12 rebounds to go with his 13 points. No player from Egypt scored in double figures in the contest.

Outscoring Egypt 25-6 in points off turnovers, and 52-27 in bench points, the USA shot 55.9 percent from the field. Of the USA's 38 made baskets, 27 were assisted and the U.S. was credited for 13 steals. Team USA held Egypt to just 28.2 percent from the field, including 14.3 percent from three-point range.

The win assured the U.S. of the Group A No. 1 seed for Wednesday's round of 16. The USA will face Argentina (0-3) in an 11:15 a.m. EDT game at Heraklion Arena.

As was the case in its prior game on Sunday, the USA dominated from start to finish. The USA squad never trailed in its contest with Egypt, and in fact led for 39:48 of the 40-minute game. Leading 24-15 after the first quarter, Team USA stretched that to a 47-23 lead at halftime, and a 67-40 at the end of the third period, en route to the 92-50 victory.

Team USA defeated Croatia, 103-81, in the team’s second game of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship, The tournament, which begin on Saturday, is being played Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 26-July 5.

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs played five minutes for Team USA, dishing out two assists and pulling down one rebound. Jayson Tatum scored 22 points to lead Team USA, while Josh Jackson scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Marco Arapovic and Ante Zizic had 16 points apiece for Croatia. The USA shot 52.4 percent from the floor and forced Croatia into 25 turnovers.

Team USA scored 31 points in the first period and never trailed in the second half en route to the victory. In a game featuring two expected U19 medal contenders, the USA men led for all but 10 seconds as the Americans’ depth and constant pressure defense proved too much for Croatia. The USA’s lead never fell below 18 points in the third quarter, and although Croatia cut the gap to 15 several times in the fourth period, the outcome was not in doubt as the USA sailed in for the 103-81 win.

Following a day off Monday for all 16 teams, preliminary round play will conclude Tuesday and the U.S. will face Egypt (9:00 a.m. EDT).

Virginia Tech’s Justin Bibbs started in the USA’s 83-53 win over Iran in the first game of the 2015 USA Basketball FIBA U19 World Championship, The tournament, which begin on Saturday, is being played Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 26-July 5.

Bibbs, a rising sophomore from Dayton, Ohio, played 13 minutes and scored four points and dished out one assist for Team USA. The game was close through the first quarter, but Team USA outscored Iran by 30 points in the final three quarters, when the USA scored 46 points in the paint. Team USA forced Iran into 33 turnovers in the game, which resulted in 20 points and held Iran to 32.8 percent from the floor.

Josh Jackson led Team USA with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Harry Giles added 14 points and Jayson Tatum had 12 points in the win. Navid Rezaeifar had 20 points for Iran.

Team USA continues play in Group A competition on Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ET against Croatia. A live stream of the game will be available through a link on USAB.com.