Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg posted on his Twitter account that former Hokie standout Deron Washington has signed a guaranteed contract with the Detroit Pistons, who selected him 59th overall (second round) of the 2008 NBA Draft. Washington played in Israel last season.

Greenberg, @HeadHokie on Twitter, posted 6:41 p.m. (eastern):

“congrats to Deron Washington for signing a guaranteed contract with the Pistons Great to have a Hokie in the league!”

I have yet to see this confirmed in any news reports, but I’ll take Greenberg’s word for it. Way to go, Deron!

Those who remember former Hokie basketball player Coleman Collins remember him as one of the great ambassadors in the history of Virginia Tech’s basketball program. The guy may be the smartest player to ever come through the athletic department at VT. He enrolled at Tech when he was 16 and graduated with honors in three years. Oh, he also got a master’s degree before he could legally drink.

Well, old Coleman is up to his usual well-spoken ways again with a very thoughtful commentary on the events happening in Iran following last week’s disputed election. Read Collins’ feature Democracy Matters at ESPN.com

Read Coleman Collins’ Bio at HuffingtonPost.com:

“Considered one of the NBA Development League’s standout athletes and most civic-minded contributors, Coleman Collins, a native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, is a 6′9″ center for the NBA D-League’s Fort Wayne (Indiana) Mad
Ants. The former Chamblee High School athlete and academic standout enrolled in Virginia Tech at the remarkable age of 16. He graduated with honors in just three years — by the age of 19 — staying an additional year to play basketball and complete a Master’s degree program in Public Health. A fixture in Virginia Tech’s starting line-up, Collins led the Hokies to a 20-win season in 2007 and into the NCAA Tournament. After college, Collins played for the German club EnBW L’burg during the 2006-07 season and, last summer, participated in the Toronto Raptors’ Summer League and in the Phoenix Suns’ training camp.”

Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg hired former virginia assistant Bill Courtney last week to fill the vacancy left by Stacey Palmore, who left to be an assistant with georgia. Courtney was an assistant at virginia for the past three seasons, but left after Dave Leito was fired. He took an assistant job with virginia commonwealth and had been there two months before Greenberg came calling.

Courtney is apparently a top notch recruiter, responsible for signing the core of the george mason Final Four team in 2006. He also recruited uva’s Sylven Landesberg, who was named the 2008-2009 ACC rookie of the year. He has strong ties to the Baltimore - D.C. corridor where a ton of talented players are recruited every year. Perhaps that will pay off soon. One thing is clear, Courtney is by far the best recruiter Greenberg has hired in his six year at Tech.

Read more at HokieSports.com and at Roanoke.com.

Here’s an interesting Roanoke Times article about one time VT verbal commit momo jones.  Apparently he wants out of usc (trojans) now that Head Coach Tim Floyd has left.  jones verballed to two schools (louisville and VT) and will now have signed with two others.  Probably for the best VT won’t have to deal with all this.

Also in the article it talks about Hank Thorns and how it looks like he will end up playing for a school in Texas.

Hank Thorns

The rumblings that Hank Thorns’s days at VT were over have been confirmed.    Hokiesports.com has reported that Thorns is leaving.  It is unclear at this time where Thorns will go. 

With Thorns gone, the Hokies will face depth issues at the point guard position again next year.  Incoming freshman Erick Green will be counted on to fill Thorns’ minutes.  It is likely that Green would have eaten up Hank’s minutes even if Hank stayed, which was probably a catalyst for this move by Thorns.

This may be hard to believe now, but Thorns actually started over Delaney at the beginning of the 2007-08 season.  He averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.2 apg his freshman year and set the freshman record for assists (113).  But this past year those averages dropped to 2.7 and 2.4 respectively as his minutes also dwindled.  Hank could never establish himself as an offensive threat.  He shot under 30% from the field this season and was just 8/41 on threes (19%).  His height was also an issue at times on defense as guards could shoot over him.  He did have an assist-to-turnover ratio of almost 2:1 though, and was excellent in this category in ACC play, leading the conference with a 2.8:1 ratio in ACC games.

Hank had some pointed comments towards Greenberg in this Roanoke Times article.  All I’ll say is Hank was the last person on the floor to warmup before VT’s NIT game against baylor, heading out for the shootaround well after everyone else.  Best I could tell, he had already checked out.  But I’ll let sleeping dogs lie.

This news came on the heels of the announcement that someone was transferring to VT…

Allan Chaney

That someone is Allan Chaney, a 6′8″ forward who played for the florida gators this past season.  Allan will transfer to VT for next year but he will have to sit out the upcoming season (he can practice with the team) and then will have three years of eligibility left beginning with the 2010-11 season. 

Richmond Times Dispatch Article

Chaney was a 4-star recruit in the Class of 2008 according to Rivals.com and was rated the #96 player overall in that class.   Scout.com also rated Allan as a 4-star, the #61 player overall, and the #17 power forward in the country for 2008.  He is originally from Baltimore and knows Malcolm Delaney, but he played his high school ball in Connecticut and Tech apparently did offer him in high school.

Chaney played in 23 games for the gators this past season and averaged three points and two rebounds in 10 minutes per game.  But Allan played in just one of florida’s final 13 games while battling a foot injury.  He apparently fell into Billy Donovan’s doghouse and was suspended for the gators’ final two games of the season (Chaney’s account of what happened is in the Roanoke Times article up above).  This ultimately led to his decision to transfer.

Chaney will give the Hokies a big body inside as he carries over 230 lbs. on his 6′8″ frame.  Tech also has a verbal from another Top 100 recruit, Jarell Eddie, who will start at VT for the 2010-11 season.

Recruiting Tidbit

The Chaney news means the Hokies will likely not get Deshawn Painter.  Painter was a one time florida commit who reopened his recruiting about a month ago.  The Top 150 prospect visited VT, nc state, and maryland since then and was expected to announce his decision this week among those three.  But the Hokies are maxed out on scholarships (13) with the news that Chaney is replacing Thorns.

Painter’s cousin, Vinston Painter, is on the Hokie football team.  Deshawn is not fully qualified for next year anyway, so this may all be a moot point if he has to prep next season.

The Hokies will face the iowa hawkeyes for the second time in four seasons as part of the ACC/Big(11)Ten Challenge on Tuesday, December 1st.  Tech beat the hawkeyes 69-65 (it wasn’t that close, iowa made a late run) in Blacksburg in November of 2006.  This time VT will have to travel to Iowa City, Iowa.

Tech is just 1-3 in the challenge and 0-2 on the road.  iowa finished 15-17 this season, their second straight losing season.

Lamont “Momo/Benedict” Jones made it official, signing with the usc trojans.  It has been known for a while that he wasn’t going to sign with the Hokies, but now Tech fans can officially give up all hope.  Tim Floyd, who almost left usc for the arizona job, lured Momo with promises of tons of early playing time.  The trojans starting point guard from this past season, Daniel Hackett, is bolting for the NBA.

This is obviously extremely disappointing for Virginia Tech.  Here they had gotten a verbal from a kid that was flying under the radar in terms of recruiting site rankings, then say his stock blow up while leading Oak Hill to a 40-1 season.  He had a chance to sign with Tech back in November, but wanted his mom to be there to see him sign his Letter of Intent.  Oak Hill’s Head Coach, Steve Smith, all but guaranteed he would sign with VT in the Spring Signing Period, but it was not to be.  Smith expressed some disappointment when hearing Jones had re-opened his recruitment, stating he thought Jones would be a great fit at VT.

Benedict Jones had also verballed to louisville in the past. 

The Hokies are still maxed out on their 13 scholarships for next year, so barring someone leaving, they are done for this recruiting class.  Deshawn Painter has recently backed out of his commitment to florida and has been mentioned as a possibility, but like I said, someone would have to leave for him to come on board next season.

Here is a link to the various images, videos, and words that were captured shortly after the tragedy two years ago today. Our thoughts and prayers are always with the families of the victims. We will never forget.

I had the chance to watch Erick Green, Cadarian Raines, and Momo Jones play tonight as part of the Capital Classic All-Star Game.  Here are my thoughts on each with my unofficial stats:

Erick Green: 10 points (5/7 shooting), 4 steals, 3 assists

• Ballhandling: Decent dribbler but not electric like Momo.  Looks to pass when pressured.  Is not going to beat guys off the dribble a whole lot.  Similar to Delaney when he arrived at VT — not a great handle but good enough to bring the ball up the court.
• Shooting: Not sure he made more than one or two jumpers in warm-ups out of 10-plus attempts, but his season has been over for a few weeks so he might have been rusty.  Has a good stroke, though.  Hit one of two jumpers in the game (both were just inside the college three-point line) and also nailed a nice runner off a pass.  Most of his shots were layups in this game, and he can dunk.
• Passing: Makes the smart pass, not the flashy one.  Good zip on the ball.
• Defense: He is not a shutdown on-ball defender.  Momo beat him off the dribble a couple of times.  But he gets his hands on a LOT of passes, much like Dowdell and Gordon used to.  All four of his steals were off intercepted passes, I believe, and led to transition points.  Erick also deflected several balls.  He knows how to get his hands in passing lanes and interrupt offenses.
• Overall: Class Greenberg guard.  Not flashy, just plays hard on both ends — I mean, who plays defense in an all-star game?  Erick Green, that’s who.  Makes smart, sound decisions on the floor.  And he’s an extremely nice guy.  Very approachable and easy to talk to.  Ready to be in Blacksburg.

Cadarian Raines: 9 points (1/4 FTs), 4 rebounds, 1 block

• Size: Good but not great size.  Has a VT low-post body already.  In other words, not as tall or big as the elite ACC teams, but similar size as Cheick Diakite had in his early years.  Big upper body, legs need to add some weight.  Big enough to get minutes next year.
• Rebounding: Was disappointed in this tonight.  Did not have more than one offensive rebound by my count and just a few on defense.  A couple of times he was out-positioned for rebounds, or brought the ball down below his shoulders and had it stripped away.  This is supposed to be one of his strong points.
• Offensive Game: Didn’t get to see what he can do on second chances.  He is a back-to-the-basket low-post player and showed some very impressive moves inside.  Has a nice hook shot that he made a couple times.  He did try to dunk one handed from the left side of the hoop (ball wasn’t protected) and got stuffed.  But he goes at the rim hard and has no fear inside.
• Defensive Game: He was not an explosive leaper like some of the big men in this game like Isaish Armwood (villanova), but he gets off the ground quickly.  He can get up to contest shots in a hurry.  That’s why he’s a good shot blocker and likely will be a shot blocker on the college level.  He doesn’t wildly go after shots though (should prevent foul trouble). On his block in this game, he actually pinned the ball against the glass with two hands to keep possession, which was nice.
• Overall: Didn’t see the high motor we’ve heard about, but this was an All Star game, so that’s not a surprise.  Hopefully that was the reason.  But he does have the body and moxie to battle inside.  Tech will need him next year, and he does seem like he can help.  His offensive game is well beyond Cheick’s was early in his career (maybe ever) and he should be able to block shots.  He just needs to be a terror on the glass, which is his reputation so hopefully we’ll see that next year.  Also a very nice guy.

Momo Jones: 18 points (10 in about a 2 minute span)

• Ballhandling: Exceptional.  Can beat anyone off the dribble.  Great crossover from right to left.  Actually, maybe a little too good — will likely draw some palming calls on the college level.
• Shooting: Was maybe 1/5 on threes.  Shots were often way off, too.  Has a good stroke, but he wasn’t known as a great shooter anyway.  Around the rim though he is deadly despite being just 6′1″ (BTW: He isn’t 6′1″, more than likely under 6′).  But he drives the lane and has an amazing ability to either get separation to get his shot off, or he can just fling it at odd angles in traffic.  And they go in.
• Passing: Makes the difficult pass with mixed results.  Looked to drive to score more than to dish the ball in this game.
• Defense: Didn’t work very hard in this game on defense, but again, it was an all-star game.  I’m not sure he had to play much D at Oak Hill either with the talent they had.  He did have a nice steal late in the game off the press.  Can’t really judge him by this game.
• Overall: Despite being from NYC like Greenberg, he didn’t seem like a typical Seth player.  Had a lot of flash, and even barked at the officials several times.  Loafed on defense at times, too, but for the 1000th time, it was an all-star game.  Definitely a big-time point guard who can score in bunches, and has lots of swagger.  Height may be a liability on defense but not sure — wasn’t on offense.
• Future: Neither Raines nor Green thought he’d end up at VT.  Rumors I’ve heard is he’s headed to usc (so-cal).

Other Notes:

• Deshawn Painterwas in this game as well. Painter was a big-time VT recruit who verballed to florida, but has since decommitted.  His stock has dropped a lot in the last year.  People questioned his toughness inside against bigger opponents.  I did notice he is plenty tall, but doesn’t have the beef to battle inside.  Plus, he is hesitant at times, almost afraid to bang in the trenches.  He needs more of a killer “the-ball-is-mine” mentality.   Would like to see him in orange and maroon, though.  He is a talent, just needs that fire (Lewis Witcher part II?).
• Tristan Spurlock, a uva signee, tried to pull a fast one over on me.  He tried to claim the player with him before the game was Erick Green.  Uh, I’m Niemo from TechHoops.com.  I know who Erick Green is.  Nice try, wahoo.  And he wouldn’t let me arm curl him.  But this kid is good.  Great size for a wing player and has a good inside/outside game.
• Mouphtaou Yarou (villanova) was the best college player in this game, in my opinion.  Huge frame, and definitely taller than Raines.  Explosive leaper.  Will fit right in the Big East and will be a force inside.  He was the MVP of the game.
• Derrick Thomas, who is going to drexel of all places, can really shoot the ball.  Wish VT was getting him unless he had the game of his life.
• Capital team (Green) won 129-98 over the U.S. team (Raines and Momo).

More Pictures:

Virginia Tech 2009 signee Erick Green was named to the Washington Post’s All-Met First Team.  He was one of 10 players (why 10 instead of five?) selected.  Erick played for Paul VI Catholic High in Fairfax, VA this season.  The All-Met team is comprised of the top players from Northern Virginia, DC, and the maryland ‘burbs of DC, which has recently been hyped as one of the great basketball breeding grounds in the US.

All-Met Teams

Erick is playing in the Capital Classic tonight and yours truly will be there to document it.