As we prepare for the final home game of the season, I would be remiss if I did not express my genuine appreciation for your support throughout the season.
Cassell Coliseum is a great venue, but the venue is only as great as the people who create the atmosphere and energy. I am not overstating the obvious fact that Cassell is one of the most unique and best home courts in all of college basketball because of you.
As I look at the season, rain, snow, sleet, ice and even the inconvenience of not having restroom facilities haven’t kept you away from supporting our program. The level of energy you created this weekend was second to none in any venue in all of college basketball.
Having said that, we have a huge game tonight with North Carolina State. It is a huge game for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s “Senior Night.” It is a night when a player’s career culminates with his final journey onto the hardwood floors of Cassell. Tonight, we are honoring Lewis Witcher and his contributions to our basketball program. Lewis committed to Virginia Tech when we were a question mark. We were still in the infancy of building a program. Lewis was instrumental in our upset win at North Carolina his freshman season. He leaves Tech playing on teams that have won 83 games entering tonight’s contest. He has helped create an expectation.
We also are honoring Paul Debnam tonight. As a player who brings great energy to practice each and every day, Paul has become an emotional and inspirational leader of our team. He is an important part of who we are and a walk-on that represents you, the student body.
This is a huge game because our goal of making the NCAA Tournament is still within our reach. Two of the last three games, we have played at a very high level, although we have been unable to come away with a win. That’s life in the ACC, which is the most competitive conference, top to bottom, in all of college basketball. It’s easy to get down, but that’s not our nature, and I hope that’s not yours either. It’s more important to be part of the solution, rather than to be disappointed in the heart-wrenching losses of the last week.
We need you there early to help Lewis celebrate Senior Night and to create the energy and excitement needed to close out our home season with a win. We need you there early and loud and ready because that’s who you are and that’s who you have been all season. I appreciate everything you have done to help us build our program. Our goals are well within our reach and your support is helping us get there.
It’s a great day to be a Hokie!
Seth Greenber
Men's basketball head coach