Mike Young's first victories as Virginia Tech's coach came before he coached his first game.

When he left Wofford after 30 years to take over the program that made him love basketball, Young persuaded what will be his small returning nucleus not to leave Blacksburg, Virginia, but he will still be hard-pressed to continue the success Buzz Williams brought to the school known more for football.

The Hokies lost three seniors - Justin Robinson, Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw - to graduation, saw sophomore Nickeil Alexander-Walker leave for the NBA and lost Kerry Blackshear Jr. (Florida) and Chris Clarke (Texas Tech) to transfers.