Virginia Tech and UVA talk expectations as the upcoming basketball season approaches

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WFXR) – It was day two of the ACC Tipoff from Charlotte and the men were the focal point of todays event. The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team enters the 2022-23 season as the defending ACC Tournament Champions. This year the Hokies have added some new pieces to the team, and they hope that will get them back the championship game.

“Our internal leadership hasn’t been in a better place. Basile has been aided by having the experience this summer with Mutts in those conversations. I would like to play with Mutts too the way he passes the ball and his willingness to pass,” says Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Mike Young.

For Virginia Tech graduate forward Justyn Mutts, getting his teammates involved on the court comes easy for him.

“I have a natural joy for life. It’s the proper way I approach life. I think on a daily basis, so when I step on the floor I’m just being who I am. I really can’t control it sometimes I really can’t.”

One team that definitely known what it takes to win an ACC Tournament title as well as a national championship is the University of Virginia men’s basketball team. Last season didn’t go as planned for the cavaliers, but they’re hoping experience will help build towards success.

“If you look at the NCAA Tournament most of the teams from last year were very experienced teams. Guys that have played a lot of college basketball. You always talk about get old, stay old, and how do you get upperclassmen. It used to be with your program,” says Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett.

For Virginia graduate guard Kihei Clark, coaching the younger talent is crucial for the teams success.

“You can teach experience. Players like Ben and Jayden, Armon, and I have been through the grind. We’ve been through games, and it’s not the same as it was in high school. You’re coming out in your first year. Being able to go through those experiences and show they young guys what it takes to get to that level.”

Both University of Virginia and Virginia Tech men’s basketball teams both have high expectations this season. As the college basketball season tips off next month, both are looking to make deep runs during the year.