West Virginia Basketball: Mountaineers ready to press the Big 12 again

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Feb 6, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Tarik Phillip (12) and forward Elijah Macon (45) celebrate at the scorers table during the first half against the Baylor Bears at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Backup point guard: Tarik Phillip

Tarik Phillip could be in for a big jump with Jaysean Paige’s graduation. Phillip put up 9.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season. He was also the team’s best outside shooter at 41 percent.

As exciting as Jevon Carter could be, Phillip is my pick to really pump up his play in his senior year.

The 6’3″ guard was just one of the numerous threats in West Virginia’s perimeter platoon in 2015-16. He always seemed to have a critical steal or bucket when opponents got close.

Carter is the best floor general left on the team, but Phillip will play a critical role during the year. Something like 9-11 points, 2-4 assists, and 1-2 steals a game is very possible in the West Virginia rotation.

Along with the numbers, Phillip’s senior leadership will also be vital throughout the season.

Next: Shooting guard - Daxter Miles, Jr.

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