Virginia Tech’s Amani Hansberry Reflects on Loss to Duke

After Virginia Tech’s 72-58 loss to No. 4 Duke, forward Amani Hansberry shared his thoughts with the media. His comments covered a range of topics, from the team’s performance to individual struggles and future goals.

Processing the Loss

Hansberry described the loss as tough but emphasized that the team played with passion and heart. He noted that their shooting was a significant issue, especially from three-point range. “We shot like 26% from the three,” he said. “If we could have shot over 35%, I think we would have had a better chance.”

He also pointed out that the team has the players capable of taking those shots, but they just weren’t falling. “It was just not falling. It was wide open. We just couldn’t stick them, I ain’t gonna lie.”

Improving Team Play

When asked about what he wished the team had done better in the last six minutes of the game, Hansberry highlighted the need for better ball movement and trust among teammates. “Move the ball a little bit more, trust each other,” he said. “They started switching one through five, so try to make you play one-on-one. In my opinion, we don’t have to go to one-on-one guys.”

He suggested that off-ball screens, movement without the ball, and creating double gaps for drives could help the team create more winning situations.

Confidence from Three-Point Land

Despite the overall poor shooting, Hansberry had a strong performance from three-point range, making 4 out of 5 attempts. “They gave me time and space, so I just took my time. I knew I was going to have wide-open threes going into the game,” he said.

He also credited his success in conference play (40% shooting from three) to smart shot selection. “Shooting the right ones. Not shooting a three with 23 seconds on the shot clock, even though I’m wide open. Playing the next actions, go get a layup first, get fouled, see something else go through the net, and then just shoot it with confidence.”

Supporting Avdalas

Hansberry spoke about his support for teammate Avdalas, who struggled in the game. “We bring him along. I think the crowd booed him today. I’m not sure why. I thought he played good today. I tell him every game I love him. I got his back when he’s down, I make sure I pick him up.”

He also mentioned that Avdalas needs to focus on using his smarts on the court. “I told him, use his smarts. You can’t feed the post at the slot. So I said, I mean, it’s a mismatch, but other guys are pulled trying to have his back, so keep moving the ball.”

Adjusting to the Pace

Hansberry acknowledged that Avdalas is still adjusting to the faster pace and physicality of college basketball. “I think the pace here is a lot faster than what it is overseas. The physicality as well. So, I think he’s just getting acclimated.”

Dealing with Duke’s Defense

Hansberry described Duke’s defense as challenging, particularly due to Cameron Boozer’s skills as a passer. “Really difficult. He’s a mismatched nightmare. He can shoot it, dribble and pass. He got all three attributes, and that’s really scary.”

He also noted that Duke’s defense forced Virginia Tech into one-on-one situations, which they struggled with in the second half. “It’s hard to face a one through five, especially when they got good length, good defenders, good athletes. So, we gotta go back to the drawing board and figure some things out.”

Rebounding Challenges

The team faced difficulties in rebounding, especially against Duke’s size and length. “They score 63% of their shots in the paint. We knew that coming into the game, so we try to make them beat us with the three. But I mean, Cameron Boozer, we got our hands full with him with Pat around the rim.”

Hansberry added that the team needs to find more ways to pull out rebounds and transition quickly. “With that size, I mean, it’s hard to contest and run back in and rebound, with that size and length.”

Free Throw Opportunities

Hansberry admitted that the team didn’t attack the basket as hard as they should have. “I think me included, especially, we didn’t really attack the basket as hard as we should have. Find bodies instead of trying to finish around length. Go to get fouled.”

He encouraged the team to be more aggressive in the second half. “Really, just having a mentality to ‘Yeah, they’re giving up these threes.’ But when we got a good situation, don’t settle for a float.”

Areas for Growth

Hansberry identified several areas where the team needs to improve. “I think we need to get some more swagger. I think we need to come together more, maybe hang out more off the court.”

He also emphasized the importance of focusing on winning. “We got a lot of good shooters on the team, so really, just stay together and focus on what’s most important, and that’s winning.”

Defensive Improvements

Hansberry noted that the team improved defensively in the second half. “Yeah, I think we just cut up the grit and intensity. The fans helped us a lot too, but really, we rotated a lot well, we kind of helped up a lot in the first half, giving up a lot of lobs. Think we cleaned that up more in the second half.”

Excitement for Tyler Johnson’s Return

Hansberry expressed excitement about Tyler Johnson returning to the team. “I’m very excited to get Tyler back. He’s a real good guy, and he has the potential to be a star.”

He believes Johnson will add another defender to the team, especially against physical guards. “I think it’ll change the dynamic of our team.”

Mindset and Future Goals

Hansberry described the team’s mindset as focused on taking each game one at a time. “Honestly, we’re taking it one game at a time. I think we’re in a really good spot. 16 wins, just taking it one game at a time.”

He also mentioned the importance of preparation and mental focus. “I think we have to have focus in our prep, like we did vs. Virginia. We just couldn’t hit a shot. So really, just tying it down, having a short-term memory.”

Strengths and Weaknesses

Hansberry identified the team’s strengths and weaknesses. “Strength-wise, we’re a really good first-shot defensive team. Weakness: we struggle to rebound sometimes.”

He also noted that the team needs to find another gear when tired. “Everybody, maybe me as a leader, to tell them and get on them. But I think that’s it.”