Elite International Prospect Neoklis Avdalas Withdraws from NBA Draft, Commits to Hokies

Virginia Tech Basketball has added Greek basketball prospect Neoklis Avdalas after the 6-foot-8-inch, 198-pound guard-forward withdrew from the NBA Draft. 

The withdrawal comes after Avdalas verbally committed to Virginia Tech on Monday. The 19-year-old was a potential first-round prospect in the 2025 NBA draft before his withdrawal. He selected Virginia Tech after receiving interest from schools such as Baylor and Ole Miss, which both made the NCAA Tournament in 2025.

Avdalas averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18.5 minutes per game in his 2024-2025 season with Greek Basket League’s Peristeri BC. He also shot 35.7% from three on the season.

Avdalas has also shown an elite ability to finish around the rim against professional big men. Through 28 games in Greek’s top flight of professional basketball, the combo-guard shot 66.8% at the rim on 71 attempts. A good NBA comp would be Matas Buzelis, who burst onto the scene with the Chicago Bulls this season with his combination of classic European offensive skills and high IQ passing.  

Avdalas’s 2025 NBA Draft profile noted his exceptional abilities on transition offense, as he is able to play downhill and get physical with defenders when attacking the rim. What’s more, his height and length allows him to not only control the ball well on offense but also stay physical with larger opponents on defense.

Avdalas joins a Hokies squad that is already guard-heavy as it is with the likes of returners Tyler Johnson, Jaden Schutt, and Ben Hammond. Additionally, transfers Izaiah Pasha and Amani Hansberry are two top contenders for starting spots on the 2025-2026 roster. 

Avdalas could play a bit more at the forward position alongside Tobi Lawal, who averaged 12.4 points and seven rebounds per game in the 2024-2025 season, leading the Hokies squad in both categories. 

Avdalas will almost certainly be a day-one-impact player for the Hokies squad to start the 2025 season. The 2024 Greek League’s Best Young Player Award winner, while not the flashy type, will likely play a big role on the Virginia Tech team for the upcoming season.