We continue our recruit and return series with the West Virginia Mountaineers, whose season ended Friday with a loss to Stephen F. Austin in the first round. A look at what the 2016-17 season could hold:
Possible 2016-17 starting five (statistics reflect regular season average)
G: Jevon Carter (9.2 PPG, 3.4 APG)
G: Tarik Phillip (9.5 PPG, 2.9 APG)
G: Daxter Miles Jr. (9.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG)
F: Esa Ahmad (4.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG)
C: Devin Williams (12.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG)
Who is lost: Jaysean Paige was one of the more intriguing players of this past season; he saw the fifth-most minutes on the Mountaineers and started just one game during the regular season, but he easily took the most shots on the team and led the team in scoring by nearly two points per game. He was instant offense off the bench and became a go-to-guy when on the floor. Forward Jonathan Holton missed four games during conference play due to suspension, and West Virginia went just 2-2 without him. He was active on the boards and also provided some more inside production. The only other possible loss is Devin Williams, the starting center who could enter his name into the NBA draft to test the waters this spring.
What it means for next season: Huggins typically went at least 10-deep this past season, so there are still plenty of contributors back from last season. Williams is the key returnee. A double-double threat every night, Williams was a dominant force on the glass at times, and also improved his offensive game. He’s a strong body and fits Huggins’ personality perfectly. Three guards who saw at least 22 minutes per game this past season are also back: starters Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles Jr., as well as impact bench player Tarik Phillip. All three complement each other. Carter and Phillip can handle the ball, while Miles can make perimeter shots and stretches the defense. Up front, look for junior Nathan Adrian and freshman Esa Ahmad to see bigger roles. Ahmad started 30 games, but his minutes were inconsistent; he brings versatility. Adrian and sophomore Elijah Macon could battle for a starting job when Huggins decides to go bigger on the inside.
Who is added: Huggins doesn’t normally bring in elite five-star prospects, and this year is no different -- but there is quality in the class that the Mountaineers are bringing to Morgantown. Six-foot-10 power forward Maciej Bender is the cream of the crop. He’s skilled in the frontcourt, and can step out and knock down perimeter shots while also scoring in transition or beating defenders off the bounce. Sagaba Konate is another frontcourt player who Huggins will count on, although Konate is fairly raw at this point. Given his length and athleticism, though, he’ll find a role. Local guard Chase Harler has range on his jumper, and Brandon Knapper will provide depth in the backcourt.
Trending: Level. Huggins has completely changed his style and philosophy over the past couple of seasons, and upping the tempo has worked out well. The Mountaineers won 25 games in 2015 and finished second in the Big 12 standings in 2016. If Williams returns, there won’t be a huge dropoff for West Virginia. Bender brings a different dimension up front, and there’s still plenty of depth.