Historically, at WVU, Huggins' teams have not had impact players in their first season. Devin Ebanks is the only exception. Even highly touted JuCo transfer Casey Mitchell took a year before becoming a significant contributor. That combined with the fact that we are an extremely offensively challenged team leads me to expect a difficult season. However, in watching the Kent State game, there were flashes of great talent among new players like Aaron Brown and Jabarie Hinds. I also understand that Kevin Noreen had some great minutes against Alcorn State. Among the returners, Kevin Jones should be more consistent this year and earn BE honors again at the end of the year. I expect Kilicli to be much more aggressive and more comfortable playing an important role. Truck should come into his own as a top performer as his responsibilities as point guard diminish throughout the season. Nonetheless, the inexperience still shows heavily and it will be a hurdle all year long.
Huggins has said the success of the team this year will depend on how quickly the new players pick up the system. I would certainly agree and add that it also depends on how well the new guys are at taking a physical beating. Players under Huggins transform from boys to men after a year of conditioning and weights. Right now, the freshman aren't massive or strong enough to endure the constant pounding of a BE schedule and the only thing that will change that is time.
My prediction for the team is 17-14 (8-10) and a trip to the NIT. That may be considered a disappointing season, and it's quite possible that some of the talent outshines the inexperience and we're able to pick up a few more wins and make a run at the NCAA tourney. If it happens, I would consider Huggins quite the magician.
2 comments:
I'm thinking 18-20 Wins. They have the talent but they have to learn to win. Too many stupid turnovers have dominated play so far. KJ has been solid to dominating but no one else has stepped up. The Turk still can't move his feet on defense. Truck's been on the bench for the first 3 games in foul trouble and hasn't handled the ball well when he's been in. Jabarie Hinds has mental lapses but man is he quick. I really like the upside of Miles and both the Browns but the haven't figured out the system yet.
With all that being said. Huggins develops talent and this may be the most talented group he's had. They'll be strong by the end of the season but we can only hope they have enough wins in them to make the tourney.
Their best years are a couple years away.
I agree about their best years, but it could be as soon as next year as much playing time as these guys are gonna see. They will have to adjust to playing with the transfers next year though and that could take part of a season as well.
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