West Virginia Basketball: Keys to an upset over Gonzaga in Jimmy V Classic

Need to bring back more consistent full-court press.

The area of Press Virginia has become more anomaly over the past few seasons. Some teams have figured out how to attack it and Huggins has decided to do away with one of the most unique aspects of College Basketball. However, it is still used on occasion and works like a charm.

One of the most common instances of a big win was when West Virginia forced 22 turnovers on then #1 Baylor, back in 2017. The mastermind behind defending other teams with the press was none other than Jevon Carter. No one on this West Virginia team comes close to the intensity that he brings.

This is a game that coach Huggins needs to draw a unique gameplan to stop all of the offensive threats on the floor. Gonzaga’s defense hasn’t been setting the world on fire, but it doesn’t need to be. This is a game where Huggins needs to experiment with putting Taz Sherman in the lineup. He’s an inch taller and by far, has been the best perimeter shooter through the first week.

Adding him and McBride will help, alongside Tshiebwe, Culver, and Emmitt Matthews. Getting as much length on the floor as possible has been the trend for the majority of big-time schools. Getting into passing lanes and grabbing extra rebounds. West Virginia has been able to do both well up to this point and adding offensive perimeter insurance is a luxury.

West Virginia is not favored to win this game and not really expected to either (9.5 point underdogs, as of 12/1). The Mountaineers are at their most dangerous when they aren’t expected to win. An aggressive defensive performance and pressuring freshman Suggs are major keys for a Mountaineers victory.