Virginia Tech basketball has made a significant move by securing the commitment of German center **Antonio Dorn**, a towering **7-footer** who promises to bring much-needed size and skill to the Hokies’ frontcourt [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/basketball/virginia-tech-basketball-german-center-antonio-dorn-commits-to-the-hokies-01jss5v9fbtj?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWJhc2tldGJhbGwtZ2VybWFuLWNlbnRlci1hbnRvbmlvLWRvcm4tY29tbWl0cy10by10aGUtaG9raWVzLTAxanNzNXY5ZmJ0aiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This addition comes at a crucial time for Virginia Tech, as they look to strengthen their roster following a challenging season.
### **A Much-Needed Presence in the Paint**
The Hokies struggled with rebounding last season, ranking **14th in the ACC Conference** with an average of **33.3 rebounds per game** [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/basketball/virginia-tech-basketball-german-center-antonio-dorn-commits-to-the-hokies-01jss5v9fbtj?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWJhc2tldGJhbGwtZ2VybWFuLWNlbnRlci1hbnRvbmlvLWRvcm4tY29tbWl0cy10by10aGUtaG9raWVzLTAxanNzNXY5ZmJ0aiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With the departure of key frontcourt players like **Tobi Lawal**, **Ben Burnham**, **Mylyjael Poteat**, and **Patrick Wessler**, Virginia Tech was in dire need of a dominant big man. Dorn, who averaged **9.1 points and 4.5 rebounds** in just **18 minutes per game** in Germany’s second division, could be the answer to their size problem [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/basketball/virginia-tech-basketball-german-center-antonio-dorn-commits-to-the-hokies-01jss5v9fbtj?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWJhc2tldGJhbGwtZ2VybWFuLWNlbnRlci1hbnRvbmlvLWRvcm4tY29tbWl0cy10by10aGUtaG9raWVzLTAxanNzNXY5ZmJ0aiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Dorn’s Journey to Virginia Tech**
Dorn’s commitment to Virginia Tech marks a significant step in his basketball career. The German center has shown steady improvement, increasing his scoring and rebounding averages over the past season [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/basketball/virginia-tech-basketball-german-center-antonio-dorn-commits-to-the-hokies-01jss5v9fbtj?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWJhc2tldGJhbGwtZ2VybWFuLWNlbnRlci1hbnRvbmlvLWRvcm4tY29tbWl0cy10by10aGUtaG9raWVzLTAxanNzNXY5ZmJ0aiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to contribute efficiently in limited minutes suggests that he has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NCAA. At **22 years old**, Dorn brings experience and maturity to the Hokies, which could prove invaluable as they aim to bounce back from their **13-19** record last season [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/basketball/virginia-tech-basketball-german-center-antonio-dorn-commits-to-the-hokies-01jss5v9fbtj?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWJhc2tldGJhbGwtZ2VybWFuLWNlbnRlci1hbnRvbmlvLWRvcm4tY29tbWl0cy10by10aGUtaG9raWVzLTAxanNzNXY5ZmJ0aiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Building a Stronger Frontcourt**
Dorn is not the only new addition to Virginia Tech’s roster. The Hokies have also secured commitments from **West Virginia forward Amari Handsberry** and **Delaware guard Izaiah Pasha**, further bolstering their lineup [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/basketball/virginia-tech-basketball-german-center-antonio-dorn-commits-to-the-hokies-01jss5v9fbtj?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWJhc2tldGJhbGwtZ2VybWFuLWNlbnRlci1hbnRvbmlvLWRvcm4tY29tbWl0cy10by10aGUtaG9raWVzLTAxanNzNXY5ZmJ0aiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, they have added **Christian Gurdak**, another promising center, and **Sin’Cere Jones**, a versatile guard/forward from the class of 2025 [B](https://fanrecap.com/hokies-add-7-foot-center-from-germany/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmFucmVjYXAuY29tXC9ob2tpZXMtYWRkLTctZm9vdC1jZW50ZXItZnJvbS1nZXJtYW55XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). These acquisitions signal Virginia Tech’s commitment to rebuilding their team and addressing their weaknesses.
### **What Dorn Brings to the Hokies**
Dorn’s height and skill set make him a valuable asset for Virginia Tech. His ability to score efficiently, combined with his rebounding prowess, will help the Hokies compete more effectively in the ACC. His presence in the paint will provide much-needed defensive stability, allowing Virginia Tech to challenge opponents more aggressively.
### **Looking Ahead**
With Dorn’s arrival, Virginia Tech is taking a step in the right direction. While there is still work to be done in the transfer portal, the Hokies are clearly focused on strengthening their roster and improving their performance next season [B](https://fanrecap.com/hokies-add-7-foot-center-from-germany/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiZ2dMVXVXUlp6U3p0dVRiYlB6THgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWkZGdjdrdExSZjJCZldhcnR2TlROIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmFucmVjYXAuY29tXC9ob2tpZXMtYWRkLTctZm9vdC1jZW50ZXItZnJvbS1nZXJtYW55XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) he adapts to the NCAA and contributes to Virginia Tech’s success.
Virginia Tech basketball is gearing up for an exciting season, and with Dorn in. Dorn’s commitment is a promising development, and fans will be eager to see how the mix, the Hokies might just have the missing piece they need to turn things around.
