Virginia Tech Basketball Prepares for New NCAA Goal

Following an exhibition win, the Hokies look to return to the NCAA Tournament field.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing three collegiate basketball players in burnt orange and maroon jerseys executing a fast-break offensive play. — The Virginia Tech men's basketball team is refining its offensive system and defensive strategy as it works toward qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Virginia Tech held an open practice session in Blacksburg as the men's basketball team works toward qualifying for the expanded 76-team NCAA Tournament. The team is aiming to snap a drought dating back to the 2021-22 season.

Why it matters

The players have identified tournament qualification and defensive improvement as the primary goals for the 2026-27 season. Coaches are currently focused on a free-flowing offensive system involving all five players on the court.

Kuol Atak enters the season having averaged 7.0 points per game while shooting 41.3% from 3-point range in 2025-26. Additionally, Jaylen Curry recorded 19 points in the team's recent 78-76 exhibition victory over Wofford.

The players

Kuol Atak

He is a player for Virginia Tech who previously competed at Oklahoma during the 2025-26 season.

Jaylen Curry

He is a member of the Virginia Tech basketball team who scored 19 points in an exhibition victory.

Miles Heide

He is expected to serve as the starting center for the Virginia Tech men's basketball team.

The details

During the practice, the team ran various scrimmages to test lineup combinations featuring transfers like Hammond, Curry, Elohim, Hansberry, and Heide. Miles Heide is currently expected to start at the center position for the squad.

2021-22: Virginia Tech's last appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Oct. 16, 2026: Virginia Tech defeated Wofford in an exhibition game.
Oct. 19, 2026: Virginia Tech held an open basketball practice in Blacksburg.
2026-27 season: The current basketball season.

Season Trajectory

The expansion of the NCAA Tournament field to 76 teams provides a new benchmark for Virginia Tech to end its multi-year tournament drought. This change in tournament size reshapes the competitive landscape for the Hokies as they pursue a postseason berth.

Fans should monitor the integration of new transfers into the rotation, as coaches continue to test combinations for the starting lineup. The team's performance in early exhibition games suggests a high-scoring potential heading into the regular season.

The takeaway

The team is prioritizing defensive cohesion to support its offensive output in a faster-paced system. Achieving consistency among new transfers will be the decisive factor in whether the program reaches its tournament goal.