WVU basketball: Daxter Miles may miss ISU game

The WVU basketball team may be without one of its senior leaders in the next game against Iowa State.

According to veteran sports columnist Mitch Vingle, Daxter Miles is battling through a sickness and may sit out. This is an adverse situation that presents a difficult challenge for the Mountaineers.

West Virginia is looking for a change in mentality moving forward this basketball season because the team just can’t close out close games. Miles has been counted on a lot this season and sometimes he is able to go above and beyond the call of duty. But sometimes he fails to live up to the lofty expectations thrust upon him.

Miles is a strong defender and a shifty offensive player. He has definitely grown a lot in many ways over his collegiate career. He started out as a raw freshman and has developed into a tough and scrappy person.

This year, Miles is averaging 12.8 points per game, which is second on the team behind Jevon Carter. Miles has 65 rebounds and 30 steals through 21 games. The worst part about Miles’ game is is 3-point shooting. He is putting up a measly .247 shooting percentage from behind-the-arc.

Especially when the WVU basketball team can’t buy a basket in the second half, it seems like Miles is a culprit of failing to get the job done on offensive possessions. He is a nifty ball handler, but the point of basketball is to score points and that’s the problem with West Virginia.

It’s an especially troubling aspect of a Bob Huggins-coached team. As long as the Mountaineers are playing solid defense, they will be in any game they play. But while a good defense can win games, a high-flying offense is what really can guarantee victories.

Next: Pollsters still believe in WVU basketball

Miles has played nearly 30 minutes a game this season. He is reliable and takes up a good spot on the court, but his potential absence may allow other guards like James Bolden to see more time against Iowa State.