Want to know who's hot and who's not on the WVU basketball team after that stunning upset against Kansas? Think of it like a stock market – some players' value is soaring, while others are taking a nosedive. Let's break down the winners and losers, 16 games into the season, and see who's poised for a breakout year.
G Jasper Floyd:
Floyd's 9-point performance against Kansas, shooting a perfect 4-for-4, definitely gives his stock a slight boost. Let's be honest, he's been a bit of a weak link offensively for most of the season. I haven't been a believer in his potential, and I'm still not entirely convinced. But, credit where it's due; he was genuinely impressive in the second half against the Jayhawks. That's his first 'green light' performance in a while. Will he continue to develop, or was this a flash in the pan? Only time will tell.
G Amir Jenkins:
Jenkins' stock shot up a few weeks back, but it seems to have leveled off, maybe even dipped a little. He's still in much better shape than he was before the season started, but there hasn't been much upward movement lately. He's got potential written all over him, but we're still waiting for that game where he truly takes over. He's averaging 5.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this year, and his assist-to-turnover ratio (40-12) is incredible – especially for a freshman. He shows great promise for the future. I'm holding onto my investment for 2025, but I'm not ready to buy more just yet.
G Honor Huff:
Okay, if you've followed my basketball takes at all, you'll know I'm heavily invested in Honor Huff. I loved his game at Chattanooga, and I was optimistic about his ability to shine at this level, thanks to his incredible shooting. His stock has been steadily climbing since the season began, and it's somehow skyrocketed even further lately. Consider these stats: 23 points and 7 rebounds against Kansas, 24 points and 8 rebounds against Cincinnati, and 24 points against Ohio State. He's averaging nearly 18 points a game while shooting 41% from three-point range, and he's averaging over 2 rebounds per game. Huff is playing at an All-Conference level right now, and he's doing it while taking some seriously tough shots.
I'm also a big fan of how Hodge is using him recently, using him as a screener for other players, which opens up opportunities for him to pop out for open looks. Smart basketball. Great shooters need to be willing screeners. Could Huff be the key to unlocking WVU's offensive potential?
G Morris Ugusuk:
My last update on Ugusuk: "If you're brave enough to buy right now, I salute you. I will not be." Well, fortune favors the brave, but not in this case. Ugusuk is out of the rotation. Ouch! Anyone who bought Ugusuk stock got burned. Sometimes, even the boldest predictions don't pan out.
G Treysen Eaglestaff:
Eaglestaff's stock was deep in the red for a long time, and while it's still somewhat down, he's regained some confidence over the past few weeks and is nowhere near his all-time low. Over the last four games, he's averaging 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 41.6% from three-point range. And let's not forget that game-winning shot against Cincinnati. That's exactly what fans were hoping to see from him before the season began. Eaglestaff has been quietly impressive lately. Is it time to start considering him a legitimate player in this league? I'm not entirely convinced just yet, but the trend is undeniable. No one's stock has risen more than his since my last update. Could he become a consistent scoring threat for the Mountaineers?
F Chance Moore:
Moore's stock has been steadily rising since he joined the starting lineup. He wasn't spectacular against Kansas, scoring just 6 points on 1-for-4 shooting in 20 minutes, but his ability to attack the rim is a game-changer for this offense. His explosive, downhill scoring ability in transition has also helped the team flow better. He's averaging over 12 points and 5 rebounds per game this year, and those who invested early have seen a solid return. His athleticism is undeniable, but can he develop into a more consistent all-around player?
F DJ Thomas:
I've made my position clear on DJ Thomas: I invested in his long-term potential, but not necessarily in his immediate impact. And, well, maybe I shouldn't have sold so early for this year. He surprisingly earned the eighth spot in the tightened rotation over Jackson Fields, and while he's had his share of struggles, he's also shooting over 45% from three (5-11) over the last four games and is averaging 7.0 points per game on the season. The pick-and-pop play is alive and well with DJ Thomas on the court. His footwork needs work, and so does his defensive rebounding, but he continues to show some serious potential. He's a smart and willing cutter who has a legitimate back-to-the-basket game. That's rare for a freshman.
If Hodge was still coaching at UNT, DJ Thomas would probably be averaging something like 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist as a true freshman right now. Then everyone would want him in the transfer portal this offseason. Keep that in mind in three months. This opens up an interesting counterpoint, that perhaps Thomas is being underutilized, and that his potential is being limited by the current system.
F Jackson Fields:
Fields has surprisingly been removed from the rotation in favor of freshman DJ Thomas, who played well in the upset win over Kansas. I wouldn't write him off completely like Ugusuk, but it's close. Hodge usually settles into an 8-man rotation, and the senior transfer from Troy isn't currently in that group. Will Fields be able to fight his way back into the lineup, or is his time with WVU coming to an end?
F Brenen Lorient:
Lorient's stock had been slowly declining, but a strong performance against the Jayhawks gives it a healthy boost. He scored 18 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, had 2 steals, and dished out 6 assists (!!) with just one turnover. He carried the team in the first half, allowing other guys to step up later on. His playmaking ability as a big man is truly impressive, and I still believe the short roll and high-low game is WVU's best offensive strategy overall.
On the year, Lorient has a 116 offensive rating while ranking in the 91st percentile in block rate. He's also shooting 37.9% from beyond the arc. He'll likely get some NBA looks after the season thanks to his length and athletic potential. Could Lorient become a legitimate NBA prospect?
C Harlan Obioha:
Obioha's stock has been in the dumps for the past month, steadily declining since his dominant performance against Pitt. That's not good for my proverbial wallet as a well-documented investor, but his fantastic game against Kansas should buy him some time to get back on track. He's been a great rebounder all year (currently in the 97th percentile in offensive rebounding rate!), but his rim-finishing has been lacking for someone his size. He had a complete game against Kansas, though, tallying a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He was a huge part of the win, dominating down low against former five-star recruit Flory Bidunga. Can he capitalize on this momentum moving forward? A road game against Houston isn't exactly an ideal opportunity. Will Obioha's recent success translate into consistent performance against tougher opponents?
So, what do you think? Are my stock assessments on point? Who do you think is poised for a breakout, and who's heading for a slump? Let's hear your opinions in the comments!
