West Virginia Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Mountaineers

Projected Starters

Guard – Kerr Kriisa (Senior)

A former Top 100 prospect from Estonia, Kriisa made waves as the point guard at Arizona for the last three seasons but opted to transfer, taking over that same role for the Mountaineers. He helped lead the Wildcats to Pac-12 titles the last two seasons and averaged 9.9 points and 5.1 assists per game last year. Kriisa is a menace with the basketball and puts those around him in a better position for success, when he’s on his game.

Guard – RaeQuan Battle (Senior)

Another former Top 100 recruit, Battle played two years on Washington’s bench before two very solid seasons at Montana State, including First Team All-Big Sky and Tournament MVP honors last season. His senior year was a major step forward, averaging 17.7 points per game with 35% from outside the arc. Battle presents as a solid scorer and excellent defender, but how will his game transition to the Big 12?

Guard – Seth Wilson (Junior)

Wilson is a very rare piece on this roster; he was at West Virginia the last two seasons. However, Wilson came off the bench in both seasons and is cast into a more important role by the recent departure of Jose Perez. Still, he averaged 4.2 points off the bench and has the potential to be a hidden gem for the Mountaineers, especially if he plays smart basketball as he’s shown in limited chances.

Forward – Quinn Slazinski (Senior)

Slazinski spent a pair of seasons at Louisville with Chris Mack, barely seeing the court, before two years at Iona with Rick Pitino. In all, he’s played just 75 game, missing most of last season with an ACL injury. He averaged 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in the seven games he played last year, though a healthy Slazinski should be in position as the starting power forward, especially if his shooting game keeps improving.

Forward – Jesse Edwards (Senior)

Following four seasons at Syracuse, Edwards transitions into the West Virginia frontcourt this season, hoping to have an even greater impact than he had with the Orange. He was Syracuse’s starter at the back end the last two seasons, averaging 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last year. Clearly a fantastic rebounder, Edwards has the tools to be a great piece in the Mountaineers’ system as soon as he learns the new defense after years in Syracuse’s zone.