Hokie ClubAs Sean Pedulla enters his third season at Virginia Tech, the expectations are set for the junior point guard to assert himself as a leader for the Hokies. Transitioning from a freshman to a sophomore in 2022, Pedulla saw his role skyrocket. He became the team's full-time starting point guard and led Tech in minutes per game at 35.6.
Furthermore, Pedulla played and started in all 34 games the Hokies played last season, which was also a team high. While moving into the "PG1" role, Pedulla catapulted his 5.4 points per game and 1.3 assists per game as a freshman to 15.0 and 3.8, respectively, in his sophomore campaign. Heading into 2023, Pedulla will be called upon to advance his game to a higher rung on the ladder.
"I need to be a more complete player. Last year, I had a new role as the starting point guard. This year I'm looking forward to taking control of that role and running with it to the best of my ability," Sean Pedulla said.
With 70 games of experience under his belt in just two seasons, Pedulla is now the second longest-tenured member of Virginia Tech men's basketball. He trails only fifth-year senior Hunter Cattoor with 119 games played in a Tech uniform. With nine of the 15 rostered players for the upcoming season being underclassmen, Pedulla will be asked to grow as a leader in his junior year.
"He's (Mike Young) let me know that as an upperclassman and a guy that's been here for a couple years, I have to take on that leadership role on and off the court," Pedulla said. "Whether that's vocal in letting guys know where they have to be on the floor or guiding guys on what the coaches expect from you off the court."
Pedulla will once again share the backcourt with long-tenured Hokie, Hunter Cattoor. The pair had multiple games where they both poured in a barrage of long-range triples including wins over William & Mary and Florida State where the duo combined for 10 made three-pointers in both contests. In addition to the two's on-court chemistry, Pedulla has also learned a lot about leadership from watching Cattoor.
"One of the things Hunter has taught me over the years is how to lead by example. He's one of the hardest workers I know. He elevates the work ethic of others around him," Pedulla pointed out.
With newfound expectations as a leader, Pedulla will have to take a page out of Cattoor's book and learn to lead by example for the younger Hokies on the roster. The shift will most certainly require Pedulla to polish up his game on the court for his third campaign, a journey he embarked on throughout the offseason.
"I've worked on my whole game as a collective. From shooting more consistently and efficiently, getting my handles right, and improving my finishing. Working on my defense off the ball is a big deal and something I have to improve."
The Hokies' defense often saw Cattoor and freshman guard MJ Collins take on tough opposing guard matchups, leaving Pedulla responsible for tracking his man off the ball on defense. With both Cattoor and Collins back in the fold, Pedulla wants to improve in this role to support Tech's overall defensive effort in 2023.
"It's just an attitude that you have to have every day. Coming into practice with a level of focus and listening to what the coaches tell you and apply that daily. That will take me in the right direction and bring me a step forward defensively," Pedulla said.
Pedulla averaged 1.2 steals per game in his second season, compared to 0.6 in his first year. Additionally, the Edmund, Okla., native racked up four games with three or more steals which was highlighted by a five-steal performance against Georgia Tech in February.
"He's turning into a really nice basketball player. He's seeing the floor better, he's bigger and stronger, guarding better, too. … He's so capable because he understands what's going on. He sniffs things out and is disruptive on the ball. We need the best version of Sean we can get on that end." Mike Young said in an early October press conference.
On the offensive end, Pedulla will look to sharpen his already well-honed toolkit of skills. Pedulla's long-distance shooting was a story of hot and cold. He had 11 games of 50% shooting from three or better, but also posted 12 games of 25% or worse from behind the arc.
Consistency will be the key Pedulla has to unlock to get to the next level as a shooter.
"Firstly, I have to take better shots. There were games last year where I took shots I shouldn't have. But, I also have to get more reps in so I can gain more confidence in my shot and find that consistency." Pedulla said.
It's no secret that Young gave the keys to his offense to Pedulla last season. In his first year as the starting point guard, Pedulla thrived as a playmaker, attaining 11 games of five or assists in a game for the Hokies. The core of Pedulla's game and Tech's offense centered around his dribble drive and kick-out passing, a dynamic that he will look to build upon this season.
"It's what I'm used to and what my game revolves around," Pedulla acknowledged. "When I can make plays to attack the defense and get others involved, that's where I'm at my best. When the defense makes the decision for you and it's just about making the right read. Now it's going to be a year of working out the kinks and fine-tuning it all out."
The faces around Pedulla may look different from his freshman season, a year in which the Hokies claimed their first ACC Championship with a remarkable tournament run in Brooklyn. However, the goal for the team remains to repeat that past success and climb even higher come March.
"We want to bring another ACC Championship back to Blacksburg. Get to the tournament and go as far in March as we can."
Pedulla has already taken a giant leap from one year to another, doing it again would certainly garner more attention and support from Hokie Nation, as well as with opposing coaches and players from around the ACC and college basketball. Despite the large possibilities, Pedulla's path forward seems straightforward.
"If I play my game, let the games come to me, and play confidently, then the goals and accomplishments will take care of themselves."