The 2009-2010 basketball season is slowly drawing closer. Every Tuesday and Thursday this fall, Crazie Talk will preview each of the twelve ACC teams in order of conference standings – from the bottom up. Check out the rest of our previews here.

Today, we’ll take a look at the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Virginia Tech Forward J.T. Thompson (Courtesy of DukeBluePlanet.com)

2008-2009 Record: 19-15 overall (7-9 ACC)

Postseason Record: 1-1 (lost to Baylor in NIT Second Round)

Projected Starting Lineup: Malcolm Delaney (Jr.), Dorenzo Hudson (Jr.), J.T. Thompson (Jr.), Jeff Allen (Jr.), Cadarian Raines (Fr.)

Returning:

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Departing:

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Incoming:

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The Good: Last season was another depressing denouement for Hokie hoops fans. The team started 6-3 in conference, including a road win at No. 1 Wake Forest.  Then Seth Greenberg’s squad dropped 6 of the final 7 games, including a second straight close loss to UNC in the ACC Tournament which dashed their hopes at March Madness. However, Tech returns star point guard Malcolm Delaney and steady (if rude) power forward Jeff Allen. In addition, Coach Greenberg keeps bringing in good talent: big freshmen guard Manny Atkins will do his best A.D. Vassallo impression while classmate Cadarian Raines is a solid rebounder and post presence.

The Bad: Can this team be consistent? In Greenberg’s tenure, the Hokies have had some signature wins over top teams like Duke, UNC and Wake. On the brink of the Big Dance, however, Virginia Tech has faltered, often losing in heartbreaking fashion. We’re not convinced that Greenberg can actually coach, but his players have proven their merit and must be hungry for some real postseason experience. If Virginia Tech can stay over .500 in conference, they should reach that goal.

The Crazie: The Hokies did not learn from missing on Stephen Curry. His brother Seth is now a Blue Devil (YES!), and Dell’s alma mater is now 0-2 on the sons of their most prestigious basketball alumni. Their loss is our gain–and we have a feeling that Hokie fans are going to be hitting themselves in two seasons.

We Love to Hate: Deron Washington. Oh wait, he graduated? Still.

The Bottom Line: There is reason for excitement in Blacksburg this season, and it’s not just for the football team. With the talented Delaney at the helm, this experienced squad should win 20+ games and make the NCAA Tournament.

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Crazie Talk’s ACC Rundowns:

Georgia Tech | Virginia | NC State | Virginia Tech | Miami (FL) | Maryland
Boston College | Clemson | Florida State | Wake Forest | North Carolina | Duke