NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 24 teams in 2020 “The Basketball Tournament”
By Max Marmitt
9. The Basketball Tournament power rankings – Best Virginia
Actual Ranking: #10 – Round of 24 Matchup: #23 Herd That (Marshall alumni) on July 5th
There was so much hype surrounding this team in their first year last year, and I’m not sure why that hype has seemed to settle down this year. Kevin Jones displayed the true passion and productivity last year that helped lead West Virginia to the 2010 NCAA Final Four. The same can be said about Da’Sean Butler, a 2010 NBA draft pick and AP 2nd team All-American who lead that same team in scoring and assists (Kevin Jones was the second-leading scorer and rebounder as well).
John Flowers was another contributor to that team and did a terrific job constructing this Best Virginia team. Adding to a frontcourt that has plenty of depth, the guard play on this team is well above average. Tarik Phillip didn’t play for Best Virginia last year because he was playing for the Washington Wizards, a big addition for the squad this year. Jaysean Paige was the leading scorer and all Big 12 for a 2016 West Virginia team that finished the year ranked 8th in the country.
Daxter Miles is a 2018 graduate that starred for West Virginia as well, proving he can be very effective on the offensive and defensive end. This team really showed an inspiring effort last year, competing valiantly against a tough second-round matchup in Overseas Elite. This team all has sincere pride to represent West Virginia and returns the same core from last year.
Team chemistry could be a legitimate key to a second-round upset this year against TMT if they can take down a state rival in Marshall first. They took down another Conference USA alumni team in Old Dominion last year, for what it’s worth going into the first round. Don’t rule out Best Virginia from surprising the nation in 2020.