August 2, 2001

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Familiar names and schools highlight the list of opponents for Virginia Tech during the 2001-02 men's basketball season.

In non-conference action, the Hokies will travel to Virginia, Old Dominion, Florida State and Louisville in the upcoming season. The Louisville trip will be for the Jim Thorpe Classic, where the Hokies will open with Murray State and the host Cardinals will face Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the first round.

Rhode Island, Western Michigan, Northeastern, Mount St. Mary's, Radford and VMI will make up the Hokies non-conference home schedule. Northeastern is coached by former Tech player Ron Everhart.

In BIG EAST action, the Hokies will play home-and-home games with fellow BIG EAST East Division members St. John's, Villanova, Miami, Boston College, Providence and Connecticut. In games against BIG EAST West Division teams, the Hokies will host Seton Hall and Rutgers and travel to West Virginia and Syracuse. Last season, the BIG EAST Conference placed 11 teams in post-season play. Of this season's conference opponents, Providence, Boston College, West Virginia and Syracuse participated in the NCAA Tournament, while Villanova, Seton Hall, Miami and Connecticut played in the NIT.

The complete 2001-02 men's basketball schedule will be released later in the summer.