Mike Young details Sean Pedulla's injury

Virginia Tech was without star guard Sean Pedulla for the Hokies’ win over Valparaiso. After the game, head coach Mike Young gave an update on his injury status.

As Young explained, the injury actually went back to the win over Louisville, when he was injured at the end of the game.

“He got hurt on the last play of the Louisville game,” Mike Young said. “The absolute last play. [Brandon] Huntley-Hatfield set a backscreen on him at midcourt and he’s twisted a little bit.”

Young went on to explain that Sean Pedulla is suffering from a foot sprain and shared that he’s getting the best care possible.

“It’s a sprain, it’s at the bottom of his foot. We did everything we needed to do to care for him, MRI, x-ray, saw an orthopedic surgeon, saw a family practice physician. He’s got a little pain below, no swelling. So, how’s that for an assessment?”

Even without Pedulla, Virginia Tech took care of business against Valparaiso. The final score was 71-50 and in his place, players like Brandon Rechsteiner and Mekhi Long stepped up. Young still thinks there is room to improve there, but was happy with how they played overall.

“It’s gonna be a little choppy when you have to go that route, but I thought all in all they did a pretty good job.”

One thing that Mike Young didn’t give was a timetable for Sean Pedulla’s return to the court. While he’s gone, the Hokies will feel the loss. In nine games this season, Pedulla is averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He’s also shooting 34.3 percent from three-point range.

Next up for Virginia Tech is a home game against Vermont on Saturday.

Mike Young shares feelings on Virginia Tech without Rodney Rice

Prior to the season, Rodney Rice left the Virginia Tech program. When that happened, Mike Young shared his feelings on the departure.

“Fine. Fine. I went into it — I talked to you about the quality of depth that we have up and down the roster, and nothing has changed,” Young said.

“We can play as many as six potentially in the backcourt. Five is probably more realistic. I think we’ve got — behind Hunter [Cattoor] and Sean, MJ Collins, two kids that can, again, help us win games. That’s all that matters.”

Along with the recent injury to Sean Pedulla, MJ Collins has also missed time this season due to an injury, continuing to test Virginia Tech’s depth.