Hi! I’m Gary Cope. You may not remember me from such small market television sports broadcast on WSLS in Roanoke and WVIR in Charlottesville. Or, you probably didn’t hear my not-so-popular radio show, “Riding the Bench with Gary Cope” on Sports Radio 1400 “The Ticket.” No? Well, there’s 10 seconds of your life you’ll never get back. How ’bout we chit-chat us some Tech hoops?

If you haven’t read The Wick‘s recap and analysis of the penn state game (game sounds much nicer than “loss” don’t you think?) click here and get caught up.

This was Virginia Tech’s fifth game of the 2007-2008 season, yet it was my first look at the team and I find myself somewhat surprised at the potential I saw on the floor, especially for such a young team. I fully expected this year’s team to be downright awful with the departure of three of the school’s best players ever; the transfer of a would-be starting point guard (Munson); and the defection of he-who-must-not-be-named. Punk.

But, my hopes and spirits for this season have been lifted by the play of true freshman Jeff Allen. Uh, can you say “stud?” Holy Ace Custis! Allen is Tech’s second-leading scorer (76 points, 15.2/game), but is one more 18-point game away from taking over the lead from A.D. Vassallo (77 points, 15.4/game). Let the record show that A.D. averages about nine more minutes a game so far. I expect that to change so long as Allen can stay out of foul trouble. I know The Wick’s said it over and over again, but let me corroborate his statements – Jeff Allen is the real deal, and watching him during the next few seasons is going to be a lot of fun.

As for the rest of the team; I was initially disappointed in the play of Deron “The Flopper” Washington, but I keep telling myself that he is still adjusting to a new role on the team. Plus, he always seems to hit just enough jumpers and deliver a highlight reel dunk to make me forget all the other stuff — like the flopping. Check out the game film and watch the mother of all flops … seriously, Deron stumbles, falls and slides about 100 yards, incredible video, really.

A.D. Vassallo. Dude! When you have an off night, don’t keep shooting. Drive and kick out. Create opportunities for your teammates. You were 4-of-12 and 0-for-5 from behind the arc. But I shouldn’t single out A.D. because the shot selection by virtually the entire team was horrendous. How did they ever shoot 43.7 percent for the game? It’s a miracle. It’s a miracle.

But, this is a young team and I think we need to focus on on the fact that they never quit and fought their way back from 13- and 10-point deficits to pull within one late in the game. This actually isn’t surprising because that has been the hallmark of Seth Greenberg’s teams — playing with heart and never giving up (1st round of the NCAA Tournament ring any bells?).

Bottom line is that this team will certainly have games where their youth and inexperience will be obvious. However, it is the flashes of brilliance and potential that should have you watching the hardwood Hokies closely this season. There will be some spectacular performances this year, and while we will take our lumps, just remind yourself that this team is going to be very good in the next year or two. But don’t rule out some big wins in the near term.

The next game is Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Cassell. Be there!

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