NCAA Basketball: 2018-19 preseason top-25 power rankings

This may be a bit low for West Virginia. Head coach Bob Huggins has been incredibly successful as the leader of the Mountaineers for the last several years and placing them this low in the rankings may turn out to be a mistake. But, for the time being, it is hard to imagine the team just seamlessly transitioning out of the Daxter Miles Jr./Jevon Carter era into another crazy successful year. Those two were simply so important to success over the past few seasons and will be very difficult to replace.

However, there is plenty of returning talent to still warrant a preseason top-25 ranking. Most importantly, in my opinion, is the return of Sagaba Konate. One of the best big men in the entire nation, Konate will hopefully be able to build on his superb sophomore season in which he averaged 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. He will the anchor of West Virginia’s defense once again this year as one of the most frightening rim-protectors in the nation.

Alongside him, Esa Ahmad is expected to take the next step in his career this year. After returning from suspension last season, Ahmad played in 21 games but struggled to live up to expectations. He averaged 10.2 points per game but this was a downtick compared to the year before (11.3). As we look ahead to this season, Ahmad will be expected to post a big season, especially as a scorer.

Additionally, juniors Lamont West and James Bolden should take on more significant roles this season. Both players averaged over 15 minutes per game last season and West even started 20 contests. These two will need to take the next step this year in order for the team to reach its full potential.

Lastly, I would not do this preview justice without mentioning West Virginia’s potentially impactful recruiting class. Ranked at No. 26 in the nation, this is an underrated group that has pieces that could fill important roles. And while Bolden seems to be the most likely candidate to fill the starting point guard role, incoming flashy guard Jordan McCabe should see immediate minutes. Additionally, Derek Culver should provide some solid playing time in the frontcourt while Trey Doomes/Emmitt Matthews Jr. will fight for minutes on the wing.