Hokies Position Preview: Point Guard

BLACKSBURG – The Hokies have a couple new faces at the point guard spot entering their sixth season under Mike Young.

With the departure of All-ACC pick Sean Pedulla, who transferred to Ole Miss, Young and his staff made it a point of emphasis to recruit point guard depth this past spring. Hysier Miller and Ben Hammond, both spring additions, have entered the chat.

In each of Young’s five previous seasons in Blacksburg, Tech has yet to field a roster of three true point guards. Until this one.

Brandon Rechsteiner is the lone returner at the position, averaging 9.2 minutes in his 26 games played. He tallied a season-high 12 points on 3 for 4 shooting in the Hokies’ 100-55 season-opening win a year ago. Perhaps more eye-catching were his 11 assists against American on Dec. 21. Rechsteiner’s return coupled with the arrival of Miller and Hammond, give Tech's frontcourt a makeover in 2024-25.

As is the case with each of his teams, Young prioritizes taking care of the ball. Two of his five VT teams (2019-20 and 2022-23) finished the season second among ACC programs in assist-to-turnover ratio. The Hokies have ranked second in the league each of the last two seasons in assists per game. Make no mistake about it, Tech’s offense doesn’t click unless it’s initiated by an accomplished point guard.

For the second straight season, J.D. Byers will take primary responsibility of point guard development. The 41-year-old Byers was an adept PG in his own right, winning the 2005 Josten’s Trophy, awarded to the top NCAA Division III college basketball player. Byers was also the primary recruiter of Miller and Hammond. 
 
With a mix of experience and emerging talent, the Hokies will rely on their floor generals to lead the charge offensively. Here’s a closer look at the primary candidates.

POINT GUARDS  
 
Welcome back: Brandon Rechsteiner (6-1, 190, So.) 
  
Hello: Hysier Miller (6-1, 185, Sr., transfer/Temple), Ben Hammond (5-11, 170, Fr.) 
  
Goodbye: Sean Pedulla (transfer/Ole Miss) 

OVERVIEW 
 
Miller: After three seasons in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pa., Temple transfer Hysier Miller brings a wealth of experience to Tech’s point guard position. He was one of two players to start all 36 games for the Owls a season ago. Miller averaged 15.9 points per game, which was ninth in the American Athletic Conference and more than doubled his total from the previous season.

The 6-foot-1 floor general guided Temple to the AAC tournament title game against UAB where he dialed up a career-high 32 points. Miller finished the conference tournament with AAC records for most points (96), most assists (23) and most steals (16). The senior amassed 961 career points at Temple.

He has range out to the 3-point line and explosiveness to get to the rim. Known for his quickness and agility, Miller can create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to penetrate defenses and make plays in transition could be a game-changer for the Hokies. He will also be one of Tech’s stronger perimeter defenders. 
 
Rechsteiner: You won’t find a more competitive player on the Hokies’ roster than Brandon Rechsteiner. He does just about everything with a chip on his shoulder. As one of five returners, Rechsteiner will use his familiarity with Tech’s schemes to move into more of a leadership role as a sophomore.

Young points out Rechsteiner may be Tech’s most prolific 3-point shooter, so don’t be surprised if there are instances where the Hokies play the Acworth, Ga., native off the ball. He brings a solid blend of scoring ability and playmaking, making him a versatile option. 
 
Hammond: Originally a Rhode Island signee, Ben Hammond reopened his recruitment on April 16 and committed to the Hokies on May 6. The freshman may be the quickest player on the roster and will be able to use that to his advantage as an undersized guard.

During preseason practices, Tech coaches keep a “hustle chart” updated to motivate players in categories such as deflections, assists, screen assists, hustle plays and charges, among other categories. Hammond is consistently a leader on the hustle chart.

Hammond is a proven winner, running point for Paul VI last season when the Panthers finished 35-3 and ranked No. 2 in the country by ESPN. 

If season started today: Miller and Rechsteiner are in a neck and neck battle for the starting spot. Regardless of who starts, both will be playing substantial minutes for the Hokies this upcoming season. 
  
Speculation: Although Miller and Rechsteiner get the lion’s share of the minutes at the point guard spot in practice, Hammond is the type of player that will be hard to keep off the floor. The Fairfax, Va., native does all the little things that impact winning. 
   
Quote of Note: "I’ve always been a believer that point guards are judged on wins and losses. ... And ultimately, can they affect winning? We have three guys that are all really good point guards. They know how to play the position. If you want to have a good basketball team, it starts with your point guards and what they bring to the table every day." — J.D. Byers, Virginia Tech assistant coach 
  
Up next: Wings