We’re officially one day away from West Virginia basketball taking the floor for the first time this season, as well as the first time without Bob Huggins in 16 years. Let’s take a look at my predictions for the team, as well as the players.
**These are predictions assuming the RaeQuan Battle call holds.
Individual predictions:
Team MVP: Jesse Edwards
SM: Kerr Kriisa, Quinn Slazinski
Best shooter: Kerr Kriisa
SM: Seth Wilson
X Factor: Quinn Slazinski
SM: Josiah Harris, Ofri Naveh
The Glue Guy: Josiah Harris
SM: Patrick Suemnick
Most Valuable Student: Josiah Harris
SM: Ofri Naveh
Lead: Jesse Edwards
Rebound leader: Jesse Edwards
Assistant Leader: Kerr Kriisa
Flight Leader: Jesse Edwards
Block Leader: Jesse Edwards
Team predictions:
Record: 16-16 (7-11 Big 12)
General thoughts:
WVU interim HC Josh Eilert finds himself in a difficult situation heading into the season after recent incidents that ended a chaotic offseason. After parting ways with Jose Perez, this team has seen its depth killed over the past month. WVU G RaeQuan Battle had his waiver denied by the NCAA. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and AG Patrick Morrisey are I’m trying to work with the NCAA to let Battle play. WVU F Akok Akok suffered a health issue during the exhibition game against George Mason. Eilert only excluded Akok short term. Akok’s long-term timeline is unknown. And to make matters worse, keep Kerr Kriisa suspended for nine games after receiving unauthorized benefits while in Arizona.
The remaining team of eight scholars shows a lot of trouble to have this season. Depth is clearly an issue as any foul trouble will result in Eilert having to get creative with lineups. Defense and rebounding, outside of Jesse Edwards, will be an issue, but can be improved. Without Battle, Akok and Kriisa, this team will really rely on Edwards and Quinn Slazinski to carry the load offensively with major help needed from Seth Wilson, Josiah Harris and Kobe Johnson.
Even when Kriisa returns to the field in mid-December, this team will have a six-game challenge between closing out non-conference play with Ohio State and Big 12 play.
If Battle and Akok can’t return to the court this season, I don’t see West Virginia making the NCAA tournament. If they can both play, this team should exceed expectations and be in the hunt for a deal. Regardless, West Virginia basketball fans should be patient this season and have no expectations for the season.
