Kenny Brooks' Extension Cements Progress Made in Virginia Tech's Basketball Programs
Whit Babcock has ushered in the greatest era of Virginia Tech basketball, both men's and women's.
It’d have been easy for Whit Babcock to be overwhelmed when he took over as Virginia Tech’s Director of Athletics in Jan. 2014.
The Hokies’ athletic program faced challenges on all fronts — a decaying football program and general athletic department infrastructure, poor performance across the board and flatlining donations.
While much of Babcock’s legacy is to be determined, he’s undeniably set Virginia Tech’s basketball programs on the road to success. Kenny Brooks’ contract extension is further proof that this is the greatest era of Virginia Tech basketball to ever exist.
Since Babcock took over the Jamerson Athletic Center, Virginia Tech’s men’s and women’s basketball programs have accomplished the following…
Eight NCAA Tournament Appearances (five for the men, three for the women)
NCAA Men’s Sweet 16 Appearance in 2018-19
NCAA Women’s Final Four Appearance in 2022-23
Men’s ACC Championship in 2021-22
Women’s ACC Championship in 2022-23
Three NBA and WNBA Draft Picks
Babcock has trusted the leadership of these programs to three men, each with similar levels of success. Buzz Williams completely transformed the men’s basketball program, elevating it to heights never seen before in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mike Young built upon that, earning Tech’s first conference title.
Kenny Brooks’ story has been a tad different — one of restoration. The longtime donors of the women’s program had seen success before — Bonnie Henrickson and Beth Dunkenberger ushered in several NCAA Tournament appearances and packed out Cassell Coliseum on more than one occasion.
But that’s not the program Brooks agreed to lead. The Hokies had just one winning season from 2007-2016. The women’s program had become relevant for the wrong reasons — a financial drain on an athletic department strapped for cash.
What Brooks has done is nothing short of remarkable. His Hokies have won 20-plus games every season but one, and their win total over the last two seasons stands at 54. And with a Final Four under his belt and his two superstars from last season back in the saddle, there’s no reason to believe Brooks’ bunch can’t make another run this coming winter.
Even if there’s some regression, Brooks’ contract extension is well-earned. But it’s also a feather in Babcock’s cap, something needed for an athletic director facing immense pressure to help resurrect a fledgling football program.
Babcock may have work to do on that front, but his body of work on the hardwood is cemented. This is the greatest era in the history of Virginia Tech basketball, and we’re fortunate to be witnesses.