West Virginia Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Mountaineers
By Connor Hope
Key Reserves
With the Mountaineers losing some big pieces from last year’s team, they will look for new faces to make an immediate impact. Perhaps the most promising addition to this season’s West Virginia team is JUCO transfer D’Angelo Hunter. Hunter averaged 15.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last year, and Coach Huggins will need his scoring ability to translate to the tougher competition.
Although he played a limited role last season, James Bolden’s efficiency should give fans a reason to be excited for him to see increased minutes. Bolden’s ability to shoot the deep ball will be tested this season, as he will be one of the Mountaineers top bench shooters. If he can maintain a 3-point percentage close to last season’s 44.9%, Bolden will be big for West Virginia.
Freshman guard Brandon Knapper is an excellent addition to this West Virginia team. Knapper is an athletic guard who can score at a high rate, averaging 18 points and 3.1 assists on one of the best high school offenses in the nation. He should fit will into Huggins’ offense and will be an incredibly important piece on defense.
West Virginia’s height is one of the few weaknesses on this team, but it is usually covered up by its stifling press defense. That said, Maciej Bender may be called on this season if the team needs a bigger forward on the floor. Bender played very limited minutes last season, but his height could earn him upwards of 10 minutes per game this season if he is needed.
Another solid JUCO transfer, Wesley Harris will be a solid role player in the Mountaineers’ frontcourt. After nearly recording a double-double as a junior college freshman, Harris spent last season sidelined with an injury. Harris will be looked at to play any of the three forward positions and will need to prove he can compete on the interior in the Big 12.