### West Virginia Basketball 2024-25 Preview
As the West Virginia Mountaineers gear up for the 2024-25 basketball season, excitement surrounds the program. Under the leadership of head coach Bob Huggins, who is in his final seasons at the helm, the team aims to build on the progress made in recent years and make a significant impact in the Big 12 Conference.
#### Key Players to Watch
**Erik Stevenson** returns for his final season, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the squad. After a standout year, Stevenson will be crucial for the Mountaineers, both as a scorer and a facilitator. His ability to create shots will be pivotal in close games.
**Keddy Duran**, a rising star from the previous season, will also be a player to watch. His versatility and defensive prowess make him a key asset for the team. Fans should expect Duran to take on a more significant role, potentially stepping into a starting position this year.
Another name to keep an eye on is **Jose Perez**, a transfer who has shown flashes of brilliance in his previous stops. His playmaking ability and scoring touch could be game-changers, especially in tight matchups against conference rivals.
In the frontcourt, **Jimmy Bell Jr.** will look to establish himself as a dominant presence. His rebounding skills and physical play inside will be essential for the Mountaineers, especially against the formidable big men in the Big 12.
#### Team Composition and Strategy
The Mountaineers will rely on a blend of experienced upperclassmen and emerging talent. Huggins is known for his aggressive, pressing defense, which will be a staple again this season. The team’s ability to force turnovers and create fast-break opportunities could play a significant role in their success.
Offensively, West Virginia will look to find a balance between perimeter shooting and attacking the basket. With players like Stevenson and Perez, they have the capability to stretch defenses and create space for interior players like Bell. Huggins will need to ensure the team can adapt to different styles of play, particularly in a competitive Big 12 landscape.
#### Season Outlook and Predictions
Entering the season, expectations are moderately high for the Mountaineers. The team is projected to compete for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, with analysts predicting they will finish in the upper half of the Big 12 standings. Key games against conference rivals such as Kansas, Baylor, and Texas will be crucial in determining their postseason prospects.
The Mountaineers’ odds for the season reflect a team that could very well make a deep tournament run if they can stay healthy and develop chemistry early in the season. Preseason odds place them in the middle of the pack in terms of conference title contenders, but with the right momentum, they could emerge as dark horses.
#### Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 season presents an opportunity for the West Virginia Mountaineers to solidify their place as a competitive force in college basketball. With a talented roster, a seasoned coach, and a loyal fanbase, the stage is set for an exciting year ahead. If they can harness their potential and navigate the challenges of the Big 12, the Mountaineers might just surprise many and leave a mark this season. As always, Mountaineer Nation will be ready to rally behind their team, hoping for a thrilling journey through March Madness.
West Virginia Mountaineers Men’s Basketball 2024-25 Schedule
(all times local)
Nov. 4 vs. Robert Morris, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Nov. 8 vs. UMass, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Nov. 15 at Pitt, 8 p.m., ACCNX
Nov. 20 vs. Iona, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Nov. 27 vs. Gonzaga@, 2:30 p.m., ESPN/2
Nov. 28 vs. Indiana or Louisville@, noon or 2:30 p.m., ESPN/2
Nov. 29 vs. TBD@, time TBD, ESPN/2
Dec. 6 vs. Georgetown, 7 p.m, ESPN2
Dec. 10 vs. NC Central, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 14 vs. Bethune-Cookman, 5 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 22 vs. Mercyhurst, 2 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 31 at Kansas*, TBA, ESPN+
Jan. 4 vs. Oklahoma State, noon, CBSSN
Jan. 7 vs. Arizona*, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 12 at Colorado*, 3 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 15 at Houston*, 8 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 18 vs Iowa State*, 5 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 21 vs. Arizona State*, 9 p.m., CBSSN
Jan. 25 at Kansas State*, 6 p.m., CBSSN
Jan. 29 vs. Houston*, 8 p.m., ESPN+
Feb. 2 at Cincinnati*, 2 p.m., ESPN+
Feb. 5 at TCU*, 8 p.m., ESPN+
Feb. 8 vs. Utah*, 5 p.m., ESPN+
Feb. 11 vs. BYU*, 7 p.m., CBSSN
Feb. 15 at Baylor*, 2 p.m., ESPN/2
Feb. 19 vs. Cincinnati*, 7 p.m., ESPN2
Feb. 22 at Texas Tech*, 1 p.m., ESPN+
Feb. 25 vs. TCU*, 9 p.m., CBSSN
Mar. 1 at BYU*, 10 p.m., ESPN2/U
Mar. 4 at Utah, 9 p.m.*, ESPN+
Mar. 8 vs. UCF*, 5 p.m., ESPN+
March 11-15: Big 12 Tournament, Kansas City, Mo.
