The national anthem is played before the opening tip of the 2017-2018 season. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Kerry Blackshear Jr. reacts after the Hokies score a quick basket to start the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech High Techs perform for the crowd during a timeout. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker attempts a contested layup in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Chris Clarke, back from injury last season, attempts a three point shot in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The High Techs perform for the crowd during a media timeout. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Justin Robinson calmly navigates through traffic underneath the basket. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Chris Clarke dribbles the ball through the Detroit-Mercy defense. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Justin Robinson pulls up for a shot from three point rainge. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Ahmed Hill picks up his dribble as he avoids a pair of defenders. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Tyrie Jackson attempts a layup while being heavily guarded in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Referee Teddy Valentine dribbles the ball during a stoppage in play. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Wabissa Bede looks downcourt as he dribbles the ball in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

A fan dressed as a Hokiebird yells in the front row of the student section. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Ahmed Hill looks down at the ball near the baseline during a scramble. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Players scramble for a loose ball on the baseline in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Ahmed Hill attempts a no-look bounce pass in the second half during a fast break. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams sits on a stool on the sideline as he watches the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Ahmed Hill fires off a pass on another fast break. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams and Wabissa Bede celebrate a Virginai Tech basket. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker looks to make a cut towards the basket in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams argues with referee Teddy Valentine over a charge foul. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker attempts to get past a Detroit-Mercy player. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker looks up for an open pass. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams speaks with ESPN after the final buzzer. The Hokies won in their home opener 111-79. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)