Virginia Tech basketball secured a major addition for the 2025–26 season with the official signing of Neoklis “Neo” Avdalas, one of the most highly regarded international recruits. He pulled his name from the 2025 NBA Draft, a move first reported Sunday by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, and later chose to commit to Virginia Tech.
Avdalas’ commitment represents a pivotal win for head coach Mike Young and a significant step toward restoring the program’s national standing. With Avdalas officially on the roster, Virginia Tech gains talent and momentum heading into next season, igniting renewed optimism across Hokie Nation.
Mike Young Scores Big as Neo Avdalas Signs with Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech landed a major piece for its 2025–26 roster with the official signing of Avdalas, a highly regarded international guard who recently withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft. Once projected as a second-round selection, Avdalas opted to head to Blacksburg to elevate his stock and make a deeper mark in college basketball.
“This is a huge addition for our program,” Young said. “Neo is a highly sought-after talent with tremendous upside. His versatility is off the charts; he can impact the game in a variety of ways and is a three-level scorer. Hokie Nation is going to love watching him compete, and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to coach him.”
got our guy 🇬🇷🦃💥📈👀🚀
➡️ https://t.co/PkmZTBWDkz pic.twitter.com/GKB0NfysV7
— Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball (@HokiesMBB) June 16, 2025
The news sparked instant excitement among Virginia Tech fans. One commented, “Welcome home baby let’s get to work!”
Another wrote, “F** ya. This guy is gonna be a lottery pick next year.”
— Greg McJohnson (@GregMcjohnson) June 16, 2025
— Aaron Heslep (@Heslap23) June 16, 2025
Avdalas, just 18, played the last two seasons in Greece’s top professional league, the HEBA A1. He appeared in 26 games during the 2024–25 season, first with AS Karditsas and then with Peristeri BC.
He averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in those games while logging 18.5 minutes per contest. He shot 43.6% overall, 35.7% from beyond the arc, and 70.3% at the foul line.
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He impressed scouts at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, turning heads during two scrimmages against elite college and international talent. In his first outing, Avdalas posted eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 21 minutes. The next day, he tallied 13 points, nine boards, five assists, and two blocks in 23 minutes.
Avdalas is in Poland as Greece prepares for the upcoming FIBA U20 EuroBasket in Heraklion, scheduled for July 12 to 20. Greece will compete in Group B, alongside Lithuania, Czechia, and Romania.
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