WVU Basketball: ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla believes WVU will “explode” in 2017
By Phil Poling
If you watch any amount of college basketball, Fran Fraschilla is almost guaranteed to make an appearance. While talking about a few Big 12 teams Sunday, Fraschilla praised the WVU basketball program and expects big things.
The Oklahoma Sooners have “very good young talent,” while the Iowa State Cyclones are left replacing a “GREAT Senior class.” WVU, however, might have something special brewing.
I'm in minority, but I think WVU will even be better next season. Good nucleus back, rising sophs ready to explode & solid recruiting class
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 7, 2017
You know what, Fraschilla? I agree!
That nucleus he’s talking about – which we discussed here – is an extended one: Esa Ahmad, Maciej Bender, James “Beetle” Bolden, Sagaba Konate, Elijah Macon, Daxter Miles Jr. and Lamont West,
Of those seven, Ahmad is most-likely the “rising sophomore ready to explode,” in 2017. Personally, here at HailWV, Ahmad is more of a budding star.
Must Read: Bob Huggins' Budding Star
Missing from the above list was senior guard Jevon Carter. The 2016-17 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is testing the NBA Draft waters. He can return for his senior campaign as long as he withdraws his name by the May 24 deadline. If he signs an agent though, that’s it.
Fraschilla mentions a recruiting class that’s an intriguing one. Five players have signed their letter of intent, including two junior college players. Derek Culver is the big-name target, though – a top-100 player nationally (247sports) from Ohio.
Four of the five incoming recruits are 6’5″ or taller, something Huggins tries to find when recruiting. After all, Press Virginia is effective when getting steals, but more importantly having high hands and arms in passing lanes to force that fast-paced style.