Hokies' Hard Truths: Mike Young Unpacks Syracuse Loss, Eyes FSU Battle

Blacksburg, VA – Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Young didn't mince words Tuesday, offering a candid and at times frustrated assessment of his team following a stinging road loss to Syracuse. The sentiment was clear: the defeat lingered, and the performance, particularly on the defensive end, was far from what he expects from his Hokies.

“I wasn’t good after the Syracuse game.

We didn’t play well. Our defense was atrocious, quite frankly,” Young admitted, his voice reflecting the weight of the result. It wasn't just the defense; the offense also came under scrutiny. “We struggled to make shots, and our offense was, at times, atrocious.” These are strong words from a coach known for his calm demeanor, highlighting the depth of his disappointment.

A significant part of the Hokies' struggles has been the absence of senior guard Hunter Cattoor.

Young provided a glimmer of hope regarding Cattoor's return, stating, “Hunter Cattoor is progressing. He was on the floor today, doing some shooting. I think he’ll be back with us soon.” Cattoor's importance cannot be overstated. He's not just a perimeter shooter; his defensive prowess and leadership are crucial.

Young elaborated on the defensive void, noting that without Cattoor, opponents are finding far too many open looks from beyond the arc. “His ability to guard, to get back into transition, it’s just not there without him. We’ve missed his defense, and it's allowed teams to light us up from three.”

Looking ahead, the Hokies face another daunting ACC challenge on the road against Florida State.

Young acknowledged the Seminoles' unique athleticism and defensive style. “Florida State is long, athletic, and they play excellent defense. They primarily play man-to-man, but they can mix in some zone to keep you guessing. Their length presents a huge challenge, especially on the boards.” He referenced FSU's impressive rebounding performance against Miami as a testament to their physical play.

The current state of the team remains a concern for Young.

He spoke about the team’s inability to consistently execute basic plays and the need to rediscover their defensive identity. “Our team defense has been a disaster at times. We’re giving up too many easy scores, and we’re not consistent enough on offense. We need to get back to making simple plays, getting stops, and finding our rhythm.” He fondly recalled the consistent high-level play from players like Keve Aluma and Justyn Mutts last year, a standard he's eager for the current squad to reclaim.

Despite the frustration, Coach Young’s commitment to his team and finding solutions remains unwavering.

He emphasized the teaching aspect of his job, focusing on improvement in practice and translating that to game day. The ACC schedule is a relentless grind, and every game presents a new test. For the Hokies, the path forward involves Cattoor’s return, renewed defensive intensity, and a collective effort to rediscover the winning formula that defines Virginia Tech basketball.