Devin Ebanks named Big East and Oscar Robertson Player of the Week

With Devin's Point Scoring and Rebounding explosion this week, the accolades are now starting to come in. The Big East saw fit to name him as player of the week. With that nomination his name was placed into consideration for the Oscar Robertson Player of the Week. He was fortunate enough to receive that recognition as well.
(Clicking on the photo will take you to the Rivals.Com Stat Page)
2009-10 Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week ● Week of Dec. 13: Gordon Hayward, Butler ● Week of Dec. 20: Jon Scheyer, Duke ● Week of Dec. 27: Devin Ebanks, West Virginia

As a nominee he is placed in the player of the year nominations for this prestigious award. It is hosted by the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most comprehensive college basketball publication in the world. Anyway, some nice pub for Devin and this institution.

Additionally the team was named National Team of the Week by ESPN's Andy Katz. (Just click on photo to go to story.)
DaGeek

All Decade team announced...

John Antonik, new media director for the athletics department, released a story Sunday (MSNsportsNet.com) naming the Mountaineers' all-decade team from the first decade of the 21st Century (2000-present).

Pat White was the offensive player of the decade while linebacker Grant Wiley earned the defensive award.

The team
Defense
Defensive line: Ben Lynch, Keilen Dykes and John Dingle.
Linebackers: Reed Williams, James Davis and Wiley.
Secondary: Eric Wicks, Jahmile Addae, Mike Lorello, Pacman Jones and Ellis Lankster
Offense
Running backs: Steve Slaton and Avon Cobourne
Fullback: Owen Schmitt
Offensive line: Ryan Stanchek, Dan Mozes, Jeremy Sheffey, Greg Isdaner, Garin Justice
Wide receivers: Chris Henry (posthumously), Darius Reynaud
Kicker-punter: Pat McAfee.

That's an all-time team for an all-time decade. These players, coaches and support staff have rung up a 88-38 overall record with just one losing season during the decade.

I would have a tough time arguing with any of these picks.

Da Geek

Rutgers Weekend/ Avon Cobourne Grey Cup MVP!!!

Well sports fans it is now time to travel north to NJ to see if we can get our 9th win. What hangs in the balance for the season are the following:

1. A chance at a 10 win season.
2. Keeping the streak over Knights alive.
3. Gator Bowl Bid (truth is I am not sure that this is in doubt.)

I believe that this game will be a good one but quite frankly I think we will win by a couple of scores. I think that Rutgers much like our beloved EERs, a bit schizophrenic, depending on which personality shows up they are very good or very bad. This is a team that got crushed by Syracuse and Crushed South Florida. They are lead by youth this year on offense but this is the last game of the season they are no longer Freshman. They have one of the better Defenses in the Big East (again depending on which one shows up.) I think that when you do a side by side of the teams it will come down to who is more consistent in all three phases. This game believe it or not might very well be in the hands or more accurately the feet of our kickers. They will attempt to chop some wood this weekend. Run to set up Pass as their Coach has done since he has been there.

Good luck Eers!!!

On another note Avon Coubourne earned the MVP of the Grey Cup this past week.

"It really hasn't sunk in yet," Montreal Alouettes running back Avon Cobourne told reporters in reference to the MVP award, with which he was presented after a 28-27 come-from-behind victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at McMahon Stadium.

"It means more that we won the Cup. It may mean something (Monday), but right now, I promise you, I can't even understand it . . .

Well as Mountaineer Fans we sure appreciate all he did to become the Big East's all time leading rusher. A big congrats to his once again making the Mountaineer Nation very proud.

Da Geek

Titles; Honors and Just wanted to say again WE BEAT sPITT!!!

Well to say that this weekend in Mountaineer Sports was a success would be a mild understatement. Those of us that have been brought up on all things Mountaineer Sports would likely be satisfied that we simply Beat sPitt in Football. In addition to this most satisfying occasion were several other wonderful things...

1st Staying with Football: The Big East has seen fit to Honor Robert Sands with Big East Defensive Player of the Week; they also chose Tyler Bitancurt as the Big East Special Teams Player of the week. Noel Devine was an honorable mention as well.

Now to Basketball and in this Case I am going to go with Lady's first. They were able to earn 66-41 victory over Nevada in the Nugget Classic championship on Saturday evening at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nev. In the process now at (5-1) they were able to have two ladies honored and placed on all tournament team. Guard Sarah Miles was named to the team and "frosh star" Center Asya Bussie was named the Tourney's MVP. Way to go ladies. Keep in mind that this is a team that is very young and the future of Mountaineer Women's Basketball is very bright.


And if the rest of this news isn't good enough and if the late start wasn't past your bed-time you may know that the Men Likewise were crowned the champions of the 76 Classic. In the process of notching there 5th win in as many tries the Eers landed 2 players on the all Tourney team. First was Foward Kevin Jones and DeSean Butler who garnered MVP honors. Additionally, he is this week’s BIG EAST Player of the Week. This win over a game Portland team was quite entertaining and left some including myself just wanting more of the same. It is the first in-season tourney win for the Eers since 2001. Our recent wins also place us 7th in the AP; 8th in the Coaches Poll and #1 in real time RPI.


It has certainly been a great week to be a Mountaineer wherever you may be!!!

Da Geek

8th ranked Round-Ballers get a chance at the 76 championship tonight.

Well this wasn't the road I would have predicted for the Mountaineers to get to the championship game but it has worked out well so far. Oh and by the way Devin Ebanks is pretty good. Yes Eer Nation we shall get to see our full complement of talent on the Court tonight for the Championship game against Portland. Let us all check in on the game on ESPN 2 at 10:00. I am very excited at our opportunity this evening but I am also impressed by our opponent who on two consecutive nights destroyed UCLA 74-47 and then beat 16th ranked Minnesota yesterday as well. This should be a great game.

GO EERS!!!

Da Geek

How to salvage a season... and a reapearance into top 25?

That is pretty simple Beat sPitt and all seems to be better with the world. That is right Mountaineer nation the Eers went against the script of the press and upset their detested rivals from the North. How did it happen? Well a little thing called Defense came to life and demonstrated the maxim that "it" wins championships. Well no championship this year but at least we put those pesky panthers in there place. The Coaches Poll has seen fit to re-add us to its poll bringing us in at 23.

So what is at stake when we enter New Jersey next week? Well actually, a whole bunch. Since the pitiful Fighting-Irish have cooperated with us by losing their 6th game this year, the Gator Bowl is out for them. So that leaves CINCY WVU AND sPITT as the remaining contestants for participation. I really see only one scenario where we are in so here goes: WVU wins against Rutgers, and sPitt gives up its second loss in two weeks to Cincy. The Gator Bowl is not obligated to take the 2nd place team out of the Big East (or Notre Dame if within 2 wins of a Big East team... they are not) they have the second selection after the BCS makes its selection. If sPitt wins and gets the BCS birth I think that the Gator will be hard pressed not to take the Bear Cats. Thus a win at Rutgers isn't enough we need a win and a sPitt loss, but if that happens it is a New Years Day Bowl for us after all. And wouldn't it be grand to send a hopeful lot of panther fans to some other lessor teir bowl birth this year?

Da Geek

WVU 104 Mountain State 82

In case you have been in a cave for the last 2 years you are probably aware that Bob Huggins came to Morgantown and coaches the gold and blue roundballers. What I witnessed yesterday is the culmination of his coaching and recruiting. He has brought a different brand of basketball to the Mountain State. He has made solid defense the cornerstone of his philosophy. What he has now added to that is a team that can score with the ball too. I watched for the first time in my lifetime of watching WVU basketball a team with depth. By that I mean we have a team that really goes 10 men deep. Yesterdays starters were as follows: Butler, Smith,Bryant, Mitchell (Newcomer), and Devin Ebanks. For those keeping score that is 3 forwards and 2 guards. I would note that Joe Maz was being held out as a precaution (Huggs stated that he could have gone if necessary.) But that leaves the following to play from the bench. Kevin Jones (scored 20 and rebounded 10), John Flowers, Dalton Pepper (Newcomer), Joe Maz, and Newcomer Deniz Kilicli (Center who has been screwed by the NCAA for 20 games) Cam would be next off the bench then. I am excited because the talent doesn't end there. WVU boasts additional talent even behind that. This season could prove to be the most exciting in the Bob Huggins Era. I implore you fans to get to the Coliseum and watch these guys. There will be more to come, but I wanted to give the reader something to think about. Yesterday's exhibition was a wonderful display of things to come.

DaGeek

7 Wins 2 Losses BCS 25 What does it all mean?

Well normally I am an eternal optimist but I have to admit that this is an uneasy possition to be in. We have made ourselves "Bowl Bound" We shall get a bowl bid to somewhere. The fact that we didn't need to use the Liberty win to become qualified is I guess nice. Now back to my thoughts... We have an opertunity to go to a BCS bowl if we infact win out.

I think that this is a tall order. Cincinnati is far and a way the best coached team in our league. Coach Kelly simply schemes his teams in such a way that they become successful. He has the luxury of starting either QB and having similar results. He has a stable of receivers that can for the most part be interchanged and again give similar results. Obviously, this team has been able to put up points. Their D has given up several but that is not as much of a problem for them as they have as of yet scored more. Our offense will have to score in the high 30s to low 40s for the first time this season to defeat this team. While I am confident we have the talent to do this I am not sure we have the attitude to do this. We simply have not been able to put a team away or attack a team for 4 quarters all year. To beat the Bearcats this weekend we simply have no choice but to do just that.

Anyway, we have a shot to go to the BCS. We have a shot at 2nd place in the Big East. We have a shot a 3rd place to fith place in the Big East. Here are the Bowl possibilities as I see it right now: From the BCS the two likely locations would be the Sugar and the Orange. The Fiesta is going to be salivating at filling there boring Big 12 selection with Either TCU or Boise State. The Rose is not going to invite us to play in that game so that is out. Now what of the soon to be gone Gator Bowl? I would opine that the Big East will maintain its grip on this Bowl as Notre Dame has once again become Notre Lame. So that means that the Gator will get to select from the remaining eligible Big East teams. Only one of those teams travels WVU. So with a win over either sPitt or Cincy and Rutgers the Eers would likely be Jacksonville Bound. After that game though things get a little tricky to predict. The Mountaineers are the team that is most desired for selection by the remaining bowls over all of our Big East Brethren, however Notre Lame is in the Car Care tie in and thus would likely get the nod in that game. So that leaves the Toronto Bowl, and the St. Pete Bowl as the likely scenerios if we don't win at least 2 of the 3 remaining games. So what does it all mean? We have already done all we need to do to get invited to a the above bowl games so failing to win another game would yeild the same results as winning 1 of the remaining 3 however 2 wins and I think we are Gater Bound and 3 wins locks a BCS birth.

DaGeek

BIg East Preseason Poll.

Though we are all wrapped up in WVU's football campaign in the Big East, many of us have been eagerly awaiting the preseason basketball polls to see where Huggins' squad ends up. (starts out) Today the expectations have officially risen. The preseason coaches poll for the Big East has been released. You can find it and revel in the glory at the Big East website. WVU received 5 first place votes and finished a very close 2nd overall to Villanova. I haven't done any checking, but I speculate that this may be the first time WVU has ever received first place votes in the preseason poll. And these high expectations will certainly end a streak for WVU. Following is the preseason rankings and final finishing spot for the 'Eers in the Big East the last 5 years.

2005: WVU predicted 9th - Finished 7th

2006: WVU predicted 5th - finished 3rd

2007: WVU predicted 12th - finished 7th

2008: WVU predicted 10th - finished 5th

2009: WVU predicted 9th - finished 5th

WVU has finished at least 2 spots ahead at the end of the season than the coaches predicted in the preseason. Obviously that can't happen this year, but I'd settle for just the one spot that's available.

Breakdown for Huskies' Tilt

First and foremost the game takes on a somber note with the passing of UConn d-back, Jasper Howard. As said below, everyone here at DaGeek's Blog will keep his family and the UConn team in our thoughts and prayers.

Now for an evaluation of this game. It appears that JB will be a game time decision. And the status for Scooter Berry is likewise uncertain. Otherwise the Eers are relatively healthy.

UConn clearly has one of the classiest and talented coaches in the Big East, Randy Edsell. He knows how to win games and continues to field teams that have done very well in the Big East play. His basic philosophy appears to be to do it the old fashioned way, run it down your throat and beat you with defense.

Until last week, UConn had a stingy rushing defense but they got gashed for a bundle of yards against Louisville. However, they continue to boast the two running back, 5 yards per carry threat of: Andre Dixon who has 123 carries this season with 616 yards scoring 7 touchdowns, and Jordan Todman who has carried the ball 100 times for 502 yards scoring 6 touchdowns. That should get Coach Casty's attention. While UConn has been pretty "one dimensional," they do that very, very well. WVU boasts the number 7 Rush Defense. Clearly something has to give.

As for the less used passing attack look out for senior WR Mar­cus Easley (#29). He has emerged as their most impressive receiving talent. He has 10 receptions for 234 yards and 2 TDs. UConn also has a serviceable Kicker who has placed 6 footballs through the goal posts for field goals and a perfect 22 of 22 on extra-points. His long this year is 49 yards. Bottom line UConn has the type of team that can grind you out and win the close one.

I would opine the key to success against them would simply be to score early and often. While not an easy task, we have the skill players to do just that. The one thing that we simply can't do is give them short fields because of penalties and turnovers. They will make us pay for those transgressions. Historically we are undefeated against UConn.

This game is a scary game on the schedule. It should be a bruiser slobber knocking type of game that any Steeler fan would love. I am excited to see how the Mountaineer team will perform with this kind of challenge.

DaGeek

Week 8 Blog Poll

1. Florida (1)(6-0)93
2. Iowa (1)(7-0)90
3. BAMA (1)(7-0)87
(tie)Texas87 (6-0)
5. Cincinnati (1)(6-0)83
6. Miami (5-1)73
7. Texas Christian (5-0)70
8. Oregon (6-1)67
(tie)LSU (5-1)67
10. Boise State (7-0)64
11. USC (6-1)59
12. Ga Tech (6-1)57
13. Va Tech (5-2)50
14. WVU (5-1) 49
15. Penn State (6-1)36
16. sPitt (6-1)35
17. Arizona (4-2)30
18. Ok State (5-1)28
19. BYU (5-1)26
20. South Florida (5-1)25
21. South Carolina (5-2)24
22. Nebraska (5-2)18
23. Utah (5-1)16
24. California (5-2)15
25. Texas Tech (4-2)10

Others receiving votes: Missouri (4-2)9; Houston (5-1)7; tOSU (5-2); Oklahoma (4-3)6; Notre Dame (5-2)5; UConn (4-2)3; Ole Miss (4-2)2; Kansas (4-2)2; Oregon St. (5-1)1

UConn CB Jasper Howard killed in stabbing. Condolences on behalf of West Virginia concerning this tragic event.

This casts a pall over the upcoming game, but more importantly is a horrible tragedy for his family. R.I.P.

Basketballers take to Court tonight. Associates of Carbon Bowl to Kickoff tomorrow, why WVU shall prevail.

We are now at the Mid-point of one season and the beginning of another. I am excited at the prospects for both teams. The Gridders have only to play to their potential tomorrow and that should be enough for a 5-1 start. The Roundballers need only show up tonight and I am sure the Colosseum crowd will be very entertained. The theme for this post is optimism. We have a team in a true Big East Hunt in Football and in Basketball as well.

While more detailed information shall follow regarding the basketball team it is important to note that this team will be deeper and more talented that we have seen in a very long time. Some points to make our all everything sophomore forwards are about 35 lean pounds heavier than they were last year. Our guard play should improve as well. We have some more Frosh players and JC players that could mean that our starters can play meaningful well rested minutes for the first time in years. Bottom line is that this team is limited by itself and nothing else. Will the Big East be a tall order? Absolutely! Coach Huggs is ready for us to be in Elite company and sees us competing for that title as well as the NCAA title.

Now on to the "if only a little more pressure I would be a diamond bowl." Yes I am not a fan of the name of this game. However, I am looking forward to the second week in a row of offensive success with no turnovers. The Mountaineers have won all eight meetings against the Thundering Herd. I see tomorrow's rendition of this series being much the same.

Marshall boasts a 4-2 record coming into this tilt. They have an explosive running back. In fact, On Saturday, two of the top three running backs in the nation will square off. Darius Marshall's 147.40 rushing yards per game ranks second nationally, while Noel Devine's average of 126.20 YPG is third. Hopefully at the end of this game Noel can rush past Darius tomorrow in the national rankings. The Herd posts a pretty forgiving defense (ranks 90th overall), but a real desire to unseat the king of West Virginia Football. Coach, Mark Snyder will have a game-plan to win for sure, but I anticipate talent being the turning point in this game. The Mountaineers simply have too many slugs in the Muskett for the Herd. Simply stated this game will not be close. I predict a 26 point margin at games end. I am looking forward to freezing my hindquarters off as I witness this beat down in Motown. I am also excited to see our starters watching the game with me as they are done at the end of the 3rd quarter. Yes my Mountaineer nation, I am very optimistic that at the close of the 4th quarter Country Roads will be music to my ears and Eers. WVU 39 Marshall 13.

Da Geek

WEEK 7 Blog Poll:

1. Florida(1)(5-0)95

2. Alabama(2)(6-0)94

3. VPI(1)(5-1)90

4. Texas(5-0)87

5. Iowa(6-0)77

6. Cincinnati(5-0)72

7. Oregon(5-1)68

8. Miami(4-1)66

9. LSU(4-1)61

10. Ohio St(5-1)59

10. Boise St(6-0)59

12. USC(5-1)56

13. TCU(5-0)55

14. Nebraska(4-1)50

15. USF(5-0)45

16. Penn St(5-1)42

17. WVU(4-1)39

18. USCar(5-1)35

19. Oklahoma St(4-2)28

20. GT(5-1)24

21. Utah(4-1)22

22. Kansas(4-1)19

23. Missouri(4-1)17

24. BYU(4-1)13

25. Wisconsin(5-1)10

Others receiving votes: Pitt(5-1)09, Notre Dame(5-1)05,Oklahoma(3-2)04,Auburn (5-1)01,MSU(5-1)01

3 Pre-season Basketball accolades for you to consider:

I don't normally interrupt the football season with blurbs from anything outside of football but with the hype/hope being generated around this years version of the Mountaineer Basketball team it was simply too hard not to comment. Below are three reasons to be watching:

1. The Sporting News has us picked as the top Big East team in its poll and the 5th overall pick in the nation. 2. ESPN's Dick Vitale has the Eers coming in at number 9. "I know, I know. The college basketball season doesn't start for several months. But I am so excited about the 2009-10 season. People come up to me and ask if I think their favorite team will do well. ... 9. West Virginia: Devin Ebanks and Da'Sean Butler lead a tough Mountaineer squad. Bob Huggins believes he can contend for a Big East title."

3. West Virginia has two of the Big East's 11 players on the 2009-10 preseason list for the John R. Wooden Award All-American Team and Player of the Year trophy.

I don't know about the rest of you but I for one am excited. Preseason drills have begun and the anticipation for the first tip off is great. With non-conference games against Ohio State, Ole Miss, Duquesne, Coppin State and Loyola at home; Marshall and the Citadel in Charleston; and Purdue and Cleveland State away as well as the Big East Slate; what is not to be excited about? The fact is that we are in store for something special.

DaGeek