West Virginia Basketball: Mountaineers have leadership vacuum to fill for next season

West Virginia fell once again in the Sweet Sixteen, this time to Villanova. But with most of their players coming back, they have a bright future. Question is, which one becomes the new leader?

After destroying the first two opponents, West Virginia was confident heading into the Sweet Sixteen for their match against Villanova. And for 35 minutes, the Mountaineers were able to match them point for point. But the Wildcats just had too much and won their game 90-76.

It was the last game for senior guards Daxter Miles Jr. and Jevon Carter. They were the team’s leading scorers on the season and combined for 28 points in their last battle as Mountaineers. They’re the only two seniors on the main rotation, but replacing their production will be hard to do.

But replacing Carter’s toughness and effort will be nearly impossible. He was the heart and soul of the team, and his defensive tenacity embodied what “Press Virginia” was all about. The senior was the unquestioned leader, who took over whenever the inconsistent underclassmen struggled.

But with him gone, who takes over as the leader?

Esa Ahmad is the only rising senior, so he’s the “veteran” of the team. But he did miss half the year thanks to an academic suspension, so accountability is a question. Sagaba Konate will be the emotional leader, and his overall game has vastly improved. But can he really be the leader when his emotions tend to get the best of him sometimes?

That leaves guys like Lamont West and James Bolden, who are solid role players. But unless they’re the vocal locker room guys, it’s hard to imagine them being that “guy” either.

That leaves coach Bob Huggins, who was able to take a back seat with Carter around but might have to take a more hands-on approach this upcoming year.

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West Virginia has the talent to be a contender once again in the Big 12, but there needs to be that leader that will carry this team through tough times. Who will that player be? Only time will tell.