WVU basketball inching closer to where it started the year
The WVU basketball team is on a roll after beating Missouri to win the Advocare Invitational Championship.
West Virginia has won six games in a row after starting the year 0-1. Even before taking the floor for a game, the Mountaineers checked in at No. 11 in the preseason rankings. That first loss to Texas A&M exposed the WVU basketball team and many thought it was overhyped.
West Virginia has somewhat redeemed itself as it continues on this winning streak. In the most recent Associated Press poll, the Mountaineers are No. 19, according to WVUsports.com.
The uptick in the rankings shows that national writers are not yet down and out on head coach Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers. They know what this team is capable of, as the Mountaineers have shown it during the winning streak.
Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles have proven their senior leadership and by working together they may just be the best guard tandem on any team in the country. They can score points and lead by example on the defensive end. With more young players getting decent playing time, the seniors show the youngsters what it takes to succeed in Bob Huggins’ system.
More from Hail WV
- Every West Virginia potential March Madness venue in 2023 NCAA Tournament
- West Virginia March Madness Schedule: When do the Mountaineers play next? (Updated March 12)
- West Virginia vs. Kansas prediction and odds for Saturday, February 25 (Take Mountaineers as underdogs)
- WVU Football Recruiting: Mountaineers make Malik Hartford’s short list
- Previewing WVU basketball against Oklahoma State
Now, the WVU basketball team must commit to staying in the top 20 by winning more games. There is still a month left in the out-of-conference schedule, but some tough games are ahead. The Mountaineers face Virginia at home and play upstart mid-majors in Coppin State and Fordham. Of course, there is that Backyard Brawl game against Pitt looming on Dec. 9.
It’s a very real possibility that the WVU basketball team could be 11-1 by the time Big 12 Conference play starts on Dec. 29 in Stillwater, Oklahoma against Oklahoma State. West Virginia can’t afford the slip ups, like it almost had against Marist. This team does show heart and will always be resilient, but the Mountaineers can’t become complacent.
There is a real good chance that the WVU basketball team will not fall out of the national rankings at all this season. There is also a good chance that the Mountaineers could crack the top 10 at some point.
Next: All-time WVU basketball team
The WVU basketball team just has to play like it did in the second half against Missouri and the national media will consider it as the darlings of the 2017-18 campaign.