Hokies Position Preview: Forward

BLACKSBURG – Ben Burnham has yet to play a single minute of regular-season basketball for Virginia Tech, but he’s made quite an impact in Blacksburg since arriving in late-May. 
 
“He’s a hard-playing dude,” Virginia Tech assistant coach Kevin Giltner pointed out. “That’s the best thing about him and the first thing that stands out.” 
 
The College of Charleston transfer advanced to the NCAA tournament each of the last two seasons. Tech head coach Mike Young applauded Burnham’s leadership and motor throughout the preseason. His experience and work ethic are invaluable to a young roster that has a combined 443 games played in college. Burnham accounts for 102 of those. 
 
He also provides a blue-collar mindset. 
 
“We play with a chip on our shoulder,” Burnham told Mark Berman of The Roanoke Times on Oct. 1. “We’ve been counted out before. … We’ve got a lot more talent than people think, so I think we’ve got a good year coming. 
 
“Some guys didn’t get a lot of playing time last year [who are] returners. Some guys came from mid-majors. We’re all tough and that’s where the chip on the shoulder comes from. When I came out of high school, I only had two offers. So that’s where it comes from for me.” 
 
In addition to Burnham, Tobi Lawal is poised for a breakout season for the Hokies. Last season, Lawal shot 66.7% from the floor and only shot seven threes, knocking down three. The London, England, native has focused heavily on expanding his game, while also adjusting to Young’s offensive system where the forward position has a high usage rate. 
 
The trio of Burnham, Lawal and Connor Serven will play a critical role in the Hokies’ success. With just over one week to go before tipoff, we continue our Hokies Position Previews with a closer look at the Tech forwards.

FORWARDS  
 
Hello: Ben Burnham (6-7, 220, Sr., transfer/College of Charleston), Tobi Lawal (6-8, 215, Jr., transfer/VCU), Connor Serven (6-8, 225, Gr., transfer/Eastern Michigan) 
 
Goodbye: Robbie Beran (eligibility expired), Mehki Long (eligibility expired), John Camden (transfer/Delaware) 

OVERVIEW 
 
Burnham: A high motor player, Burnham affects the game all over the court. The first thing that stands out about him is he is a “hard-playing dude.” Burnham’s impact comes on both ends of the floor with his effort on the glass and ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end. The two-time NCAA tournament qualifier adds experience and a veteran presence in the locker room with 102 games played in his three seasons at the College of Charleston.

The Fort Mill, S.C., native started all 35 games last season for the Cougars. Burnham averaged 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 22.2 minutes per game as a junior. He shot 36.8% (46-125) from 3-point range and eclipsed 20 points four times last season.

Lawal: An unreal athlete, Lawal is the type of player that can instantly produce SportsCenter top-10 highlights. Coach Young has said he hasn’t had one quite like him in his 39 years of coaching. His motor is second to none. 
 
Lawal has impressed coaches this summer and preseason with his skill level and work ethic – proving that he’s so much more than an above-the-rim player. With his size and athleticism, Lawal will have a major impact rebounding the basketball for the Hokies this season – a department that needs to greatly improve for Tech to be successful.

The VCU transfer played in all 38 games last season for the Rams, averaging 7.7 points, 6.0 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game off the bench as a sophomore. Lawal recorded four double-doubles last season with the Rams.

Serven: A versatile player, Serven brings additional experience and IQ to the Hokies. His ability to score down low and make shots from beyond the arc, along with his ability to switch defensively, make Serven a valuable addition to Tech’s roster.

The Eastern Michigan transfer played 31 games last season for the Eagles, averaging 3.3 points, 3.1 rebounds per game.

If season started today: Lawal is the projected starter at the 4-position. Following a tremendous offseason of development, Lawal has greatly expanded his game. His dynamic versatility in ball screen actions and Tech’s motion offense will be intriguing, while his rebounding ability will be a force to be reckoned with. 
 
Speculation: With the group of Lawal, Burnham and Tyler Johnson leading the way, Tech should be drastically improved in the rebounding department. The Hokies ranked 298th out of 362 Division I programs last season in offensive rebounding at 25%, per Ken Pomeroy. 
   
Quote of Note: “I’ve never had one that jumped like that. He’s the best athlete I’ve had the opportunity to coach.” — Mike Young on Tobi Lawal
 
Up next: Centers 


POSITION PREVIEW SERIES
Point Guard (Oct. 4)
Guard (Oct. 18)