Freshman Neoklis Avdalas will look to turn heads again for Virginia Tech, which hosts Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday in Blacksburg.The 19-year-old Greece native recorded 33 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Hokies (2-0) in their 107-101 overtime victory over Providence on Saturday. The 6-foot-9 guard shared the Atlantic Coast Conference’s co-player and co-rookie of the week honors with North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson.Avdalas didn’t sign with Virginia Tech until June, but he has quickly asserted himself as one of the Hokies’ go-to players.”It was kind of hard for me in the beginning to transition my game here in the U.S.,” Avdalas said. “The speed and pace are faster, but my teammates and coaches did a really good job when I got here.”Avdalas leads Virginia Tech with 20.5 points and 7.5 assists per game through two wins, while West Virginia transfer Amani Hansberry chips in 18 points and 12 rebounds per contest.Ahead of the matchup with the former conference foe — Virginia Tech and Saint Joseph’s played in the Atlantic 10 together from 1995-2000 – Hokies coach Mike Young is looking forward to seeing the continued growth from his new-look team.”Avdalas is still coming into his own,” Young said. “He’s immensely talented, needless to say. He’s an unbelievable playmaker. That will continue to improve as we go along. I’m thankful to coach him.”
