Nelson Hernandez Joins Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball as General Manager
On Tuesday evening, Virginia Tech men’s basketball head coach Mike Young announced that Nelson Hernandez has been hired as the program’s new general manager.
Hernandez, known for his strong recruiting connections, comes to Blacksburg after spending last season at West Virginia as the Mountaineers’ director of player personnel and recruiting. His move reunites him with assistant coach Chester Frazier and forward Amani Hansberry, both of whom recently joined the Hokies.
In his new role, Hernandez will collaborate closely with Virginia Tech’s NIL collectives and manage the team’s revenue-sharing initiatives and related resources. Given the ever-evolving college sports environment, his insight into market dynamics is expected to be a key asset.
“Adding Nelson as our general manager is a big win for the program,” Young said in a university statement. “College athletics is changing fast, and Nelson’s experience, leadership, and organizational skills will be vital as we move forward. He’ll play a key role in roster building and ensuring our program thrives both on and off the court.”
Bringing more than 10 years of Division I experience, Hernandez has held positions at nine schools since 2010, including Utah State, Clemson, Wright State, VCU, LSU, Fresno State, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia. His roles have ranged from video coordinator to assistant coach, encompassing player development, operations, and recruiting.
He has been part of five NCAA Tournament appearances — four with LSU and one with Utah State — and has worked alongside respected coaches like Stew Morrill, Brad Brownell, Will Wade, and Mike Boynton. Notably, Boynton previously worked under Young at Wofford during the 2007-08 season.
Reflecting on his new opportunity, Hernandez said, “I’m thrilled to join Coach Young and the Hokies in this new capacity. Virginia Tech has a rich tradition and an incredible fan base. I’m eager to contribute by supporting our players, expanding NIL and revenue-sharing efforts, and working with an outstanding staff as we shape the future of the program.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Hernandez earned both a bachelor’s (2013) and a master’s degree in education (2018) from Utah State.
This offseason, Virginia Tech has brought in two transfers: forward Amani Hansberry (6’8″, 240 lbs, Jr.) and point guard Izaiah Pasha (6’4″, 190 lbs, So.) from Delaware. The team currently holds eight scholarship players for the 2025-26 season.
