Veterans help Buzz Williams and Virginia Tech players practice national anthem

Outside of the military academies, there probably won't be another college basketball team show as much respect for the national anthem before games this season as Virginia Tech.

Coach Buzz Williams asked a group of veterans to assist him in educating his players about the importance of the anthem and how to conduct themselves when it is being performed before games this season. Williams has high expectations for his players and he chose to share them publicly in a remarkable tribute to the nation's veterans.

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Williams lined his players up in front of their bench area to watch men and women in uniform unfold their chairs. He told his players and coaches that the chairs weren't earned by their talent or hard work but by the sacrifices made by veterans and those currently serving in the military.

The entire group then stood stoically as the anthem was performed in an empty Cassell Coliseum.

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The Hokies tip off the season Saturday at home against Alabama State. Williams is hoping to make a big jump in one of the toughest college basketball conferences in the nation after going 11-22 in his first season leading the program last year. The Hokies were just 2-16 in the ACC last season.

Virginia Tech has six new players who are expected to be regular contributors this season, including three transfers. but the Hokies were still picked to finish 14th in the 15-team league in  the preseason media poll.

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[Kyle Ringo is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @KyleRingo