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West Virginia Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 campaign

By Lukas Harkins

MORGANTOWN, WV - JANUARY 15: The West Virginia Mountaineers huddle before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at the WVU Coliseum on January 15, 2018 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - JANUARY 15: The West Virginia Mountaineers huddle before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at the WVU Coliseum on January 15, 2018 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3-point defense improves

One of the major weaknesses of West Virginia basketball’s aggressive defense last season was the allowance of several open 3-pointers. In fact, despite strong perimeter defenders in Miles and Carter, the Mountaineers gave up 288 total made trifectas last season (306th nationally) on 38.0% shooting (323rd nationally). Both of these numbers were quite poor and the team will need to improve in this facet of the game.

Considering the importance of shooting in the modern era, teams across the country are not only attempting more trifectas but also nailing them at a higher rate. Because of this, the Mountaineers should look to improve on 3-point defense heading into this season. And while it is nearly impossible to project West Virginia’s perimeter defense, Coach Huggins could make defending behind the arc a priority this offseason.

The Big 12 is one of the best conferences in the entire nation and therefore there are many players in the league that can be deadly when left open beyond the perimeter. In addition to the presence of an elite rim-protector (Konate), a strong perimeter defense could lead West Virginia to another great defensive season. Even though this past season might not have been their best (41st nationally), the Mountaineers ranked in the top-10 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency in each of the prior two seasons.

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