Avdalas’ blend of size, skill, and court vision has drawn inevitable comparisons to NBA superstar Luka Dončić. Credit: Virginia Tech Hokies/Facebook
Neoklis “Neo” Avdalas, the highly-touted Greek freshman for the Virginia Tech Hokies, delivered a stunning performance that has sent ripples through the college basketball and NBA scouting communities.
Avdalas poured in a career-high 33 points, along with 6 assists and 5 rebounds, to lead Virginia Tech to a dramatic 107-101 overtime victory over Providence on Saturday at the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament.
The 6’9″ guard/forward was incandescent, particularly in the game’s final minutes and the extra period. He shot an efficient 13-of-23 from the field and was lethal from outside, converting 5-of-8 three-pointers, including clutch shots that helped the Hokies establish control in overtime.
Still can’t get over the performance by Neo Avdalas. Whatever you’ve heard about him, believe it and then some! Had 33 on 13/23 FG with 6 assists and 5 boards. The Greek superstar powered Virginia Tech to a huge OT win over Providence! He’s extraordinary.pic.twitter.com/GeO5VygcEB
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) November 9, 2025
His performance was immediately hailed as one of the best freshman debuts of the young season.
Pundits react to Avdalas’ performance
Avdalas’ blend of size, skill, and court vision has drawn inevitable comparisons to NBA superstar Luka Dončić, a comparison that gained traction after his explosive scoring and facilitating against Providence.
One NBA Draft analyst, Arman Jovic, declared on X: “Virginia Tech’s Neoklis Avdalas is one bad dude. Today vs Providence he was unreal… The 6’9 PG out of Greece put together the very best freshman performance we’ve seen this season.”
Other scouts and pundits were equally impressed, noting that his stellar stat line—which included 7 of the Hokies’ first 10 points in overtime—demonstrated his ability to take over a high-stakes college game.
The professional path
Avdalas’ decision to play for the Virginia Tech Hokies is a relatively new and exciting trend for an international player of his caliber. Before arriving in the NCAA, the 19-year-old had already built a significant professional resume in Greece.
He began his career with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos and later gained high-level experience on loan at Karditsa and Peristeri in the top-tier Greek Basket League. He was a two-time Greek League Best Young Player (2024, 2025) and the Greek League Most Improved Player (2025).
In the spring, Avdalas participated in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine but ultimately chose to withdraw and follow the college route, a move that is now paying immediate dividends.
NBA draft prospects
Avdalas is widely projected as a potential first or second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Scouts are captivated by his rare skillset for a player of his size, specifically his potential as a “point forward” at the next level.
Matt Babcock, an NBA Draft Analyst, summarizes his strengths: “Avdalas is a polished, high-IQ point forward with a polished scoring package and excellent vision for his size. His ability to stretch the floor, operate in pick-and-roll, and create for others gives him real intri1gue.”
Scouting reports indicate he needs to add physical strength to improve his finishing through contact and better handle the physicality of NBA defenders. He also needs to improve his elite athletic burst and consistency with on-ball defense against quicker guards.
For now, Avdalas’s focus remains on turning the Virginia Tech program into an ACC contender. However, if he maintains this level of production and continues to refine his game, he is strongly positioned to be the next great Greek international prospect to hear his name called on draft night.