“Virginia Tech’s Tobi Lawal Declares for NBA Draft — But Shocks Hokie Nation with Unexpected Dual Commitment”

BLACKSBURG, Va. — In a move that stunned Virginia Tech fans and reverberated across the college basketball landscape, Tobi Lawal, the high-flying sophomore forward known for his rim-rattling dunks and defensive prowess, officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft—but with a jaw-dropping twist that no one saw coming: he’s not hiring an agent.

Standing at 6-foot-10 with a wingspan that seems to stretch from Cassell Coliseum to the Appalachians, Lawal announced his decision via a social media video posted Monday afternoon. Clad in Virginia Tech maroon and orange, he stood at center court and addressed Hokie Nation directly.

“I’m declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft to test the waters,” he said, voice steady but eyes burning with competitive fire. “But I’m keeping my eligibility. This isn’t goodbye—it’s a new chapter in the journey.”

The announcement instantly sent Twitter and Hokie message boards into a frenzy. Lawal, who averaged 13.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game this past season, became one of the ACC’s breakout stars. His explosive play above the rim and uncanny timing on defense made him a constant highlight on ESPN’s Top 10. Many scouts have whispered his name as a potential second-round steal with first-round upside, thanks to his raw athleticism and improving jump shot.

But the twist—the choice to retain collegiate eligibility—adds a layer of drama and strategic savvy. Under NCAA rules, players can declare for the draft, attend the NBA Combine, and even work out for teams without losing college eligibility, provided they don’t hire an agent certified by the NBA Players Association. It’s a delicate dance, one that allows Lawal to gauge his draft stock while leaving the door open for a return to Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young voiced full support for the decision. “Tobi is doing exactly what we encourage all our players to do—bet on themselves. He’s worked hard, and he’s earned the right to explore every opportunity,” Young said in a press release. “If he comes back, we’ll welcome him with open arms. If he moves on, we’ll cheer for him just as loudly.”

What makes this move even more impactful is Lawal’s emotional connection to the Hokies and their fans. A Nigerian native who moved to the U.S. as a teenager, Lawal often speaks about the community and family he found at Virginia Tech. “They believed in me when I was just a raw kid learning the game,” he said in a February postgame interview. “This place changed my life.”

Now, Lawal is preparing for a whirlwind few months. He’s expected to participate in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, where he’ll be watched closely by scouts hungry for two-way big men with upside. If feedback suggests he needs more polish, he might return to Tech, stronger and smarter, with one goal in mind: dominate the ACC and secure a first-round spot in 2026.

For now, Hokie Nation waits, watches, and wonders—will Tobi Lawal make the leap, or will he fly higher with one more year in maroon and orange? Either way, the story is just beginning.