Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2021-22 season
By Andrew Tineo
5. West Virginia Mountaineers
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Malik Curry
SG: Sean McNeil
SF: Jalen Bridges
PF: Dimon Carrigan
C: Gabe Osabuohien
With the regular season completed, my mind was set on making West Virginia the pre-season favorite to win the conference. However, the NBA Draft was not kind to the Mountaineers
Taz Sherman returns as the most notable player, after securing Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year last season and is expected to stay in his role while lifting the Mountaineers during scoring slumps.
After being a vital piece off the bench, Bridges is expected to become the starter, after averaging 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds as a freshman.
Quite possibly the biggest loss comes in the form of Miles McBride declaring for the NBA. McBride is quick on the defensive end and brings explosion on offense, something that will be missed. However, West Virginia was able to grab a transfer in Malik Curry.
Curry averaged 15.7 points per game a year ago, during his sophomore campaign at Old Dominion University.
What will be interesting is the forward is who will help the void left from with Gabe Osabuohien and Carrigan in the fold. Although Carrigan did not play much, he was efficient with shooting 62% from the field a year ago.
After the starting lineup and Sherman, the bench gets relatively thin. Jordan McCabe announced his intentions to transfer, alongside Emmitt Matthews heading west to play for the Washington Huskies.
Bridges and Carrigan taking big leaps will be another question, as who can help Culver down low, with defensive efforts and efficient play on the offensive end.
The Mountaineers plan on participating in the Charleston Classic, with a less than a stellar field. The tournament consists of Ole Miss, Clemson, Boise State, and Marquette.
Expectations for the Mountaineers aren’t super high, after losing the off-season with substantial losses. Bob Huggins is an excellent coach and will have his players prepared for big games. However, expect a step back this year from the Mountaineers.
Final Record: 22-9 (10-8)