Virginia Tech Basketball: Elite Greek Prospect Neoklis Avdalas Commits to Hokies—Pending NBA Draft Decision
The Virginia Tech men’s basketball program could be on the brink of a significant breakthrough with the potential addition of one of Europe’s rising basketball stars. Neoklis Avdalas, a 6-foot-8 guard/forward from Athens, Greece, has verbally committed to the Hokies—contingent on whether he decides to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft. Should he opt out of the draft process, Avdalas is expected to sign with head coach Mike Young and join the Virginia Tech roster, marking a potentially program-altering acquisition.
Avdalas made an official visit to Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg in May, which significantly influenced his interest in the program. A highly versatile player, Avdalas currently plays for Peristeri B.C., a club in the top-tier Greek Basketball League. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, earning the league’s “Best Young Player” award, a notable honor in a country known for producing elite international talent.
His basketball journey began at an impressively young age. At just 15 years old, Avdalas turned professional with Panathinaikos, one of the most prestigious and successful clubs in Greece. He later spent a season with ASK Karditsas before joining Peristeri. His early exposure to high-level European basketball has helped mold him into a mature and skilled player far beyond his years.
Interestingly, Avdalas shares a connection with Virginia Tech through two former Hokies—Ahmed Hill and Jarell Eddie—who also played professionally for Peristeri. That connection, along with the potential for immediate playing time and player development under Coach Young, may have helped tip the scales in favor of the Hokies.
Although currently projected as a second-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, many analysts believe Avdalas has the potential to rise significantly in future draft classes. With a year or two in the NCAA to develop his game further and showcase his talents against American competition, scouts believe he could become a lottery-level prospect.
If Avdalas chooses to suit up for the Hokies, he’s expected to make an immediate impact. With his height, ball-handling ability, and scoring instincts, he can play multiple positions, including shooting guard, point guard, and small forward. This positional flexibility gives Mike Young an exciting new weapon to work into a roster that is already shaping up to be deeper and more competitive than in recent seasons.
Virginia Tech’s 2024-2025 roster is undergoing significant changes. Alongside returning standouts like Tobi Lawal, Jaden Schutt, Tyler Johnson, and Ben Hammond, the Hokies will welcome several new faces. This includes transfers such as Jailen Bedford (from UNLV), Izaiah Pasha (from Delaware), and Amani Hansberry (from West Virginia). The incoming freshman class also boasts intriguing talent, including Christian Gurdak, Sincere Jones, Solomon Davis, and Antonio Dorn.
Adding a player of Avdalas’ caliber could elevate the Hokies into national conversation. He brings international experience, elite court vision, and scoring ability that could help Virginia Tech climb the ACC standings and potentially make a deeper postseason run.
The final decision now rests on whether Avdalas chooses to remain in the NBA Draft pool. He has until June 15 to officially withdraw his name, with the draft scheduled for June 25. If he decides to delay his NBA aspirations, Virginia Tech will gain a transformative talent who could redefine the ceiling of the program for years to come.
In short, Neoklis Avdalas isn’t just another recruit—he’s a potential game-changer. And for the Hokies, he could be the missing piece that reshapes the program’s future.
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