Before turning our attention to the upcoming basketball season, I want to acknowledge the heartbreaking news about former West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins and his cognitive health. It’s hard to put into words just how much he means to WVU and the entire Mountaineer community. He’s one of us, and this news hits especially hard. Our thoughts and hearts are with Huggins and his family during this difficult time.
Related: Former WVU coach, Hall of Famer Bob Huggins diagnosed with progressive cognitive condition
Now to another season of WVU Men’s Basketball, there’s something happening in Morgantown that we haven’t experienced consistently in recent years.
Expectations.
Not wishful thinking. Not simply hoping the Mountaineers can surprise a few teams and sneak into the NCAA Tournament. I’m talking about legitimate expectations that West Virginia can compete with some of the better teams in the Big 12. Read More: Is WVU Men’s Basketball ready to take the next step?
Entering his second season, Ross Hodge has injected some much-needed excitement into the program. His first year ended with 21 victories and a College Basketball Crown championship, something I believe deserves more recognition.
Sure, it wasn’t the NCAA Tournament — but accepting that invitation and winning three straight games to finish the season sent a message about the culture Hodge is building. Winning matters, and that kind of finish can go a long way in building confidence and attracting talent.
Talent has arrived
Now Hodge has followed that success by assembling a roster featuring elite young players, improved frontcourt depth and enough potential to have national basketball analysts calling West Virginia a sleeper in the Big 12.
Of course, we’ve heard preseason optimism before. But there’s reason to believe this team might actually deliver.
“We definitely have the components of an NCAA Tournament team,” Hodge said during Big 12 Media Days. “Got to put it all together, like most of us. Got to be more consistent with our habits. But I love the blend of youthful talent that we have with experienced players.”
Much of that excitement centers around freshman point guard Miles Sadler. The five-star recruit from Bella Vista Prep arrived in Morgantown with enormous expectations, and his performance in the exhibition against Maryland only added to the anticipation.
Sadler scored 16 points and handed out four assists, showing flashes of the talent that could make him one of the most exciting players we’ve seen in a Mountaineer uniform in quite some time.
He’s young, and there will undoubtedly be growing pains playing against Big 12 competition. But the talent is undeniable.
The frontcourt could be another major strength, led by Georgia Tech transfer Mo Sylla. The 6’10 center averaged 9.6 points and 7.2 rebounds last season before injuries cut his freshman campaign short. Considered one of the top big men in the transfer portal, Sylla has the potential to become a dominant presence inside. And he’ll have some help. Seven-foot-one freshman Amadou Seini brings tremendous size and an enormous wingspan. Originally viewed as a developmental backup, Seini grabbed 11 rebounds against Maryland and could earn significant playing time. Together, they give Hodge some much-needed size and athleticism in the paint.
Then there’s the unexpected return of Brenen Lorient.
Receiving a fifth year of eligibility was a significant development for Hodge and the Mountaineers. Lorient averaged 11.9 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, and his return provides an experienced, productive presence in a frontcourt that suddenly looks considerably deeper.
Cautiously optimistic
That doesn’t mean this team is without questions. Rebounding remains a concern, and talented newcomers still have to prove themselves over the course of a demanding conference schedule. But the pieces are there. And for the first time in a while, I think it’s reasonable to expect West Virginia to be playing meaningful basketball in March.
I’m not predicting a Big 12 championship or a Final Four appearance. But I am expecting a competitive basketball team with a legitimate opportunity to make the NCAA Tournament.
And after everything Mountaineer fans have endured in recent years, it’s nice to have expectations again.
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