3 game-changing transfer portal talents emerge as top WVU targets

The West Virginia Mountaineers are entering the offseason with some momentum and national attention on the brand after closing Ross Hodge's debut year at the helm of the program with a College Basketball Crown Championship.

Now, with the season completed and the transfer portal open, WVU is looking to reload a roster that has already lost multiple potential returners to the portal and it's entire starting lineup to graduation. Their high school recruiting class has them off to a strong start, but there's more work to do. Let's take a look at some of WVU's top targets.

Ross Hodge hot after multiple Power 5 starters in the portal

Mouhamed Sylla, C, Georgia Tech: At 6-foot-10, Sylla offers a legitimate starting center for the Mountaineers, and one who brings Power 5 experience and could end up being a multi-year starter. Villanova appears to be the main competition for the Mountaineers for Sylla's services, with Arkansas, Maryland, Tennessee, and St. Johns also in play.

Sylla was a true freshman last season but earned a starting spot for the Yellow Jackets, and averaged 11.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game before injuries ended his season. He officially entered the portal Thursday and will be visiting Morgantown this weekend. Out of high school, he was ranked the 29th-best player in his recruiting class by ESPN.

Jason Edwards, G, Providence: Edwards would bring power conference experience to Morgantown, but also offers experience in Ross Hodge's system. He played for Hodge at North Texas as a sophomore after beginning his career at the JUCO level.

He has since also played one season at Vanderbilt, and one season at Providence – this past season, he averaged 16.5 points per game for the Friars last season, and 19.1 point per game during his lone season with Hodge, He needs a waiver to be eligible, but given his first year was at the JUCO level and the NCAA's recent push for five season of eligibility over five years, he will likely be approved, and could also visit Morgantown this weekend if things go to plan.

Javan Buchanan, F, Boise State: Buchanan plays on the wing, but offers some significant size and length at 6-foot-7. This past season, he averaged 12.6 points and 5.0 rebounds for Boise State. He will need a waiver to earn his final season of eligibility, but will likely be approved given his two season stint at the NAIA level. He will be visiting West Virginia this week as well.