Gurdak Announces Transfer Plans

Virginia Tech center Christian Gurdak has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The 7-foot-0 freshman from Charles Town, West Virginia, will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next destination.

Gurdak is the third player to depart the Virginia Tech program this cycle, following Greek wing Neoklis Avdalas and guard Izaiah Pasha. His departure leaves the Hokies with eight remaining scholarship players.

Freshman Season Performance

During his lone season in Blacksburg, Gurdak appeared in 31 of the team's 32 games. He averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds across 17.2 minutes per contest, starting 10 games throughout the year.

His playing time increased significantly while forward Tobi Lawal was sidelined for nine games following ankle surgery. During that stretch, Gurdak recorded career highs in points and rebounds, notably pulling down 19 boards in a single game—the highest mark for any ACC player that season.

Key Statistical Highlights

  • Strongest Stretch: Averaged 11 rebounds per game while shooting 18-for-23 from the field during Lawal's absence.
  • Top Scoring Games: Recorded 13 points against UMES, and 17 points against both Elon and then-No. 21 Virginia.
  • Late Season: Notable performances included games against California, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest.

Gurdak finished his freshman campaign with a three-point, eight-rebound performance against Wake Forest in the first round of the ACC Tournament. He struggled in that outing, shooting 1-for-5 from the field and 1-for-3 from the free-throw line.

Background and Recruitment

Gurdak's connection to Virginia Tech dates back to 2019, when he became the only player to receive an offer from head coach Mike Young as a ninth-grader. Before college, he attended Paul VI High School, where he played alongside current Hokie Ben Hammond for two seasons.

He later transferred to Gonzaga for his senior year, where he earned All-WCAC First Team honors for the 2024-25 season.