The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team has been less than respectable since joining the Big East in 2000.

Despite being a decent team while in the Atlantic Ten Conference, the young Hokies could not win consistently against Big East teams. After going 29-55 in the past three years, the Virginia Tech administration got tired of former head coach Ricky Stokes last year. Suddenly, the team with no juniors and two seniors was left in the hands of Seth Greenberg.

‘Everyone wants to be on a winning team,’ Louvenia Smith, mother of former Virginia Tech forward Jon Smith. ‘But the guys (in the Big East) were much bigger.’

It is this inability to win that has marred Virginia Tech’s recent history. Greenberg brings Virginia Tech (8-9, 1-5 Big East) to the Carrier Dome this Saturday at 7 p.m.

‘Seth works hard and is a good recruiter,’ said Brian Nash, Seton Hall’s assistant coach.

Virginia Tech should be a bigger draw for recruits when the Hokies switch to the Athletic Coast Conference next year. Nash sites more natural rivalries and the appeal of playing closer to home as potential selling points for the Virginia Tech program.

‘People there will be more excited about playing Virginia or North Carolina than about playing Villanova,’ Nash said.

Excitement does not translate into success, though. As Virginia Tech proved when it jumped from the Atlantic 10 to the Big East, the transition might prove to be a tough one. The Hokies compiled a 10-38 conference record since coming to the Big East.

‘Obviously the ACC is tough,’ Nash said, ‘but the Big East is tough, too.’

With a young core of talented athletes, the tough conference play will prepare Virginia Tech for the future. Led by senior Bryant Matthews, the Hokies look to improve their standing as the doormats of the Big East.

‘For just having a coaching change,’ Nash said, ‘being a young team and undermanned, they are pretty talented.’

No matter what the Hokies do, they still seem to be in the shadow of the successful football program. With hype surrounding the football team and some poor seasons in the past, the Virginia Tech basketball program has been doomed at the box office.

‘Even when they were a top team, attendance was poor,’ Nash said. ‘They will always play second fiddle to football.’

The lack of attention and success has caused its share of problems. Jon Smith transferred to Bowie State after the 2001-02 season because of the losing environment and meager playing time.

‘It was so frustrating,’ Louvenia Smith said, ‘because there were so many losing seasons.’

But Virginia Tech appears on its way to mediocrity. The Hokies know that appearances, namely having 12 freshmen and sophomores among the 15 roster slots, can be deceiving.

‘They aren’t over the hump yet,’ Nash said. ‘They are one of those teams that still have a little work to do.’

Published on January 28, 2004 at 12:00 pm