In his journey as a student-athlete, one could say Justyn Mutts is well-traveled.
A 2017 St. Augustine Prep graduate and Millville resident, the 6-foot-7 forward started his college career at High Point, transferred to Delaware and now finds himself at Virginia Tech. The trials and tribulations of three schools over a four-year span might be difficult for some, but Mutts has made the most of each opportunity and has no regrets.
In fact, it’s been an incredibly positive experience.
Already the proud owner of a degree in psychology from Delaware, Mutts is working on his master’s in agricultural and life sciences with a concentration in education at Virginia Tech - all while continuing to pursue his passion on the hardwood.
Oh, yeah, he’s also getting to live out one of the most cherished dreams of every kid who’s ever played at the park or hit the game-winner in the backyard - being part of the madness that is the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s my first time doing a tango, so I’m ecstatic,” Mutts told NJ Advance Media Tuesday afternoon from Indianapolis, where the tenth-seeded Hokies will play No. 7 Florida in a South Region opener Friday. “I’m happy to be here and I’m taking every moment in and embracing it.
“Every step of the way, it’s been a blessing to me. I don’t have any regrets and feel along the way I’ve built great connections at each level.”
Virginia Tech (15-6) is making its fourth straight NCAA appearance and the redshirt junior played a key role in helping the Hokies earn a berth in the Big Dance. His adjustment to playing at such a high level didn’t surprise his former high school coach.
“He did all he could to give himself a chance,” Paul Rodio said. “You see it with a lot of kids, but he figured out the puzzle and put it together. He’s made the most of it and I’m not surprised even a little bit.
“He’s emerged as a very good player at that level.”
In his first season after transferring from Delaware, Mutts has started 20 of 21 games. He scored a season-high 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a loss to North Carolina in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals last Thursday, the first game for the Hokies following a near two-week layoff due to COVID issues.
Mutts is averaging 9.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He’s second in blocks with 16.
“I’ve been blessed my entire college career to continue to progress and elevate as an individual on and off the court,” said Mutts, who was named to the ACC Men’s Basketball All-Academic team. “It’s been awesome for me. At the end of the day, it’s just a sport; just a game. You’re just going out and playing a game regardless of who’s around you.”
That’s why Mutts takes the floor with an air of confidence. There’s no need to be nervous when you’re doing something you love.
“I’m kind of at a point now, when it comes to anybody we play against or any floor we step on, I really don’t feel nervous. I get excited,” Mutts said. “It’s just a game, so how can I get nervous to go out and play a game? I don’t put pressure on myself to go out and score 20 points a night. All that really matters is winning the game. As long as I go out and do all I can to help my team win a game, I know I cannot be upset or disappointed with myself.”
Virginia Tech is making its fourth straight NCAA appearance and St. Augustine grad Justyn Mutts played a key role in helping the Hokies earn a berth in the Big Dance.
A two-time All-State selection at St. Augustine, Mutts helped the Hermits win the Non-Public A state title in 2016 and reach the state final in 2017. He scored 1,389 career points.
Mutts made 18 starts and played in 28 games as a freshman at High Point, where he made the Big South All-Freshman Team. He averaged six points and four rebounds, while finishing second in steals (30) and led the team in blocks (32).
Sitting out the 2018-19 season after transferring to Delaware, Mutts averaged 12.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in his only season with the Blue Hens. He played in 33 games last year, starting all but one, and led the team in rebounding and finished second in scoring. He scored a career-high 30 points against Hofstra and collected 11 double-doubles - third-most in the CAA.
Feeling he had what it took to play at an even higher level, Mutts moved on to the Atlantic Coast Conference. As a graduate transfer, he chose Virginia Tech over Houston and Mississippi State.
“It’s a level he believed he could play,” Rodio said. “He won the game against Villanova a couple of months ago and he’s shown that he can play at that level. I’m hoping he could be a draft pick.”
Mutts says his first year as a student at High Point was probably the best experience of his life. While basketball was his path to college, he had fun just being a student.
Now, with one degree on his resume and another on the way, Mutts is about to begin what may be the best experience of his athletic career.
The first time he played Duke, Mutts said seeing Coach K up close and personal was a cool experience; a different vibe than when watching on TV. Participating in the NCAA Tournament and possibly winning a first-round game is another one all together.
“Delaware provided an opportunity to graduate early, and to leave and be able to test myself in the best conference in college basketball was a great opportunity,” Mutts said.
“It was the best way to grow and challenge myself.”
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Kevin Minnick covers South Jersey boys basketball. He can be reached at kminnick@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @kminnicksports
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