Sophomore forward Khadim Sy has left the Virginia Tech basketball program, leaving Buzz Williams and company with a hole to fill.
Late Thursday afternoon, the Virginia Tech Basketball twitter page released a statement from coach Buzz Williams telling fans that forward Khadim Sy had left the program, as well as the school. Sy started twenty-eight games for the Hokies last season and was being counted on once again in the upcoming campaign.
Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Statement pic.twitter.com/kiHtPABPRl
— VT Men's Basketball (@VT_MBBall) September 14, 2017
Though this news was a surprise, it is a trend that is becoming common in the Buzz Williams era. Sy is the 12th player to transfer or leave since Williams took the team over in 2014. Some of the early transfers were just part of a change in coaching staff, but it is no secret that some players don’t mesh with Williams’ style.
The speculation as to why Sy may have left is an endless rabbit-hole, and to do so at this point with limited information would be irresponsible. The point is, Sy is gone, and his spot will have to be filled.
To say that the loss of Sy leaves the Hokies shorthanded in the front court would be an understatement. Sy’s departure leaves the Hokies with two players on the roster over 6’6″. 6’10” center Kerry Blackshear Jr. and 6’10” senior forward Nick Fullard are the only true big men to speak of.
Fortunately, the Hokies are no strangers to being without depth in the front court. Having played last season without Blackshear, and the final nine games without Chris Clarke, they know how to survive on small ball.
With that being said, both Blackshear and Clarke are coming off of injuries, so to ask them to play thirty minutes a game right away is a far-fetched. Senior Nick Fullard is likely to get a lot more minutes than anyone thought going into the season. All of this just a day after he was awarded a full scholarship.
CONGRATS @Nickman__!! 🎉👏🏀 pic.twitter.com/cK96OHL8zd
— VT Men's Basketball (@VT_MBBall) September 13, 2017
Fullard’s story is a touching one, and it seems he’ll get the chance to add to it on the court. Luckily, the team has a few tune up games to break him in to start the season.
