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

By Doug Winkey

Jan 12, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jaysean Paige (5) jumps to dunk at the end of regulation to beat the Kansas Jayhawks at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jaysean Paige (5) jumps to dunk at the end of regulation to beat the Kansas Jayhawks at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Trey Kell (12) dribbles the ball as West Virginia Mountaineers forward Esa Ahmed (23) defends during the second half at Orleans Arena. West Virginia won 72-50. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Trey Kell (12) dribbles the ball as West Virginia Mountaineers forward Esa Ahmed (23) defends during the second half at Orleans Arena. West Virginia won 72-50. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Power forward: Esa Ahmed

The 6’8″ forward from Cleveland was mostly a depth piece last year, but he has a few tools that could make him an interior terror going forward. Esa Ahmed certainly has a prime opportunity to be an important piece with Devin Williams gone.

In 18 minutes a night last year, Ahmed contributed 4.9 points and 2.7 boards. He shot a respectable 45 percent from the field as a freshman.

He was also the team’s best shot blocker, but only swatted 19 shots in 34 games. The jump from first to second year is always a bit of a mystery, but I’ll put Ahmed down for around 8-10 points and 5-6 rebounds per game.

A jump into the 22-24 minute range is also very possible.

Next: Backup power forward - Maciej Bender

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