Keep the Ball Rolling! Hokies Add Another Potential Star

In what has been a crazy couple of weeks for Virginia Tech Basketball, the Hokies received another boost Thursday by signing incoming freshman Jalen Haynes.

"Jalen possesses the type of skill and size we are looking for in our program," stated Mike Young in a press release.

Haynes reclassified into the class of 2021 after spending the past year at Montverde Academy, a legendary basketball program near Orlando, Florida, where he averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds in a post-scholastic season.

Before Montverde, Haynes was a start at Dillard High School, earning Broward County Class 7A-6A Player of the Year honors in a season during which he averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Officially listed as a three-star recruit on 247 Sports, the 6'8 forward presents tremendous upside for the Hokies, and is on track to primarily compete with rising sophomore David N'Guessan for playing time next season. Haynes uses his muscular frame and agility in the post to find himself open around the rim with great regularity, relying on instincts that were bred during his time at two elite high school programs.

The official announcement of Haynes' signing seemed to come out of nowhere as no rumors or speculation had been widely reported; Mike Young and his staff are establishing a reputation for keeping their cards close to their chest, a characteristic that will greatly behoove them along the recruiting path for years to come.

Haynes' impact in Blacksburg remains to be seen, but his addition provides immediate size and strength to VT's program— suddenly, the Hokies have an army of tall and strong players that can fight off athletic opposition in the restricted area.

VT now has a guaranteed 14 players on their roster with one scholarship remaining for the 2021-22 season; Hokie Nation should be excited to see who the coaching staff will find to fill their final vacancy.