Virginia Tech transfer Jalen Haynes announces destination
Virginia Tech basketball is clearly ascending in the ACC under Mike Young, but the Hokies have lost several key players and young hopefuls that were recruited to continue the trajectory.
One day after the news broke that Hokies’ star Keve Aluma is officially headed to the NBA Draft, Jalen Haynes — a freshman in 2021 who flashed promise but was constantly held out of games due to reportedly breaking rules and not meeting academic standards — announced he was committing to East Tennessee State according to a report from Jon Rothstein.
The 6-foot-8 native from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, appeared in nine games for the Hokies in 2021-22. He played 25 total minutes and scored seven points between two games (Saint Francis (PA) and St. Bonaventure). Haynes participated in just two of 20 ACC games: North Carolina (Jan. 24) and Pitt (Feb. 7), his last appearance.
According to a report from Tech Sideline, VT head coach Mike Young told reporters after the Louisville game on March 1 that Haynes was focusing on academics at that time and wasn’t with the team. He did not appear in the final 11 contests of the season and while he was beginning to find his groove on the Virginia Tech squad, it’s clear the relationship had soured due to off-the-court issues.
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Shortly after the Hokies’ ACC title win and loss in the NCA Tournament, Haynes opted to put his name in the transfer portal and now has a fresh start.
Out of high school, Haynes chose the Hokies over Mississippi State, Boston College and UCF.
The departure of Haynes opens up another scholarship for Young & Co. for the 2022-23 season. Previously, Tech had committed 12 of the 13 available scholarships, leaving just one open.
Thanks to the NCAA granting players a COVID year of eligibility, Justyn Mutts still has a year of eligibility and continues to test the NBA waters. Like Aluma, Mutts announced he was declaring for the NBA Draft in a heartfelt goodbye to Virginia Tech fans, but keeping his eligibility option open. Aluma said the same thing in early April but finalized his choice to officially head to the pro draft on Monday.