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James Franklin addresses crowd at Virginia Tech basketball game: 'We can do something very, very special'

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz22 hours agoNickSchultz_7
Virginia Tech HC James Franklin
© Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

For the first time as Virginia Tech head coach, James Franklin addressed the fans. He took center court at halftime of Wednesday’s men’s basketball game against Bryant – and he had a message.

It’s been quite the day for Franklin after his introduction as Virginia Tech’s next head coach. He had his introductory press conference Wednesday morning before multiple interviews, including on SportsCenter and The Pat McAfee Show.

But Wednesday night, it was about the students and Virginia Tech fans in attendance at Cassell Coliseum. Franklin’s message was simple. He’s ready to go, and his staff will be, as well.

“We are so excited to be here,” Franklin said. “We are honored and humbled to be here. We don’t take this for granted, one minute, whatsoever. We are going to work our tails off to make you guys proud. That’s what it’s all about. I’m going to bring a staff here, and you’re not going to find a staff or a head coach that will pour their hearts and soul into this place like we will. … So let’s have this place rocking tonight to help our basketball team. Let’s make sure Lane Stadium is rocking on Saturday.

“We need you. We can’t do this by ourselves. It’s going to take an entire community pulling the rope in the same direction. Let’s take pride in our state and the football that we have and the tradition and history. I think we can do something very, very special.”

After his remarks, Franklin led the Virginia Tech faithful in a chant. However, it started with a different two words than what he’s said for the last 12 years during his time at Penn State. He joked he was nervous about it – but he successfully led the “Let’s go! Hokies” chant.

“That was my biggest fear,” Franklin joked. “I’ve been saying a different chant for 12 years. I don’t want to mess that up. Thank you so much.”

James Franklin’s arrival comes as Virginia Tech gets ready for its final two games of the season. His hiring came just over a month after he was let go at Penn State, where he amassed a 104-45 record and had six 11-win seasons. This year got off to a rough start, though, with a 3-3 record before his departure.