WVU men's basketball is undefeated through their first two games, but there is one particular area of the team's play that might have fans concerned.
The Mountaineers were outrebounded by Mount St. Mary's 38-29 in their season opener, and then were outdone on the boards once again by Campbell last night 40-36. Though a lot can be said for first-week jitters and working out kinks in a new roster underneath a new coach, it is a bit alarming that a team that will have to compete against the cream of the Big 12 in conference play is allowing low-major and mid-major level oppoents outdo them on the glass.
Hodge, for his part, seemed disappointed in the rebounding struggles, but not overly alarmed. He did tell Mountaineer Sports Network this week that he thinks rebounding percentages paint a more accurate picture, and that the simple rebounding numbers in the first games might not paint a fully accurate picture of what the team can do on the glass. He was also quick to point out that a pair of the team's best rebounders are currently missing, but will be back soon.
Forward Jackson Fields is currently missing action with an injury, but is expected to return to action before nonconference play ends. Meanwhile, Chance Moore is sitting out the first five games of the season as part of a settlement with the NCAA granting Moore an additional year of eligibility at the collegiate level. The 6-foot-6 Moore averaged 6.5 rebounds per game with St. Bonaventure last season, while the 6-foot-8 Fields averaged 4.8 rebounds per game with Troy.
Those additions will be critical in helping the Mountaineers get themselves right on the boards before conference play begins. In the meantime, WVU will likely rely heavily on forward Brenen Lorient, who has racked up 22 rebounds in his two games with the Mountaineers so far, to be a massive presence on the glass.