5 Bold Predictions For the Rest of West Virginia Mountaineers’ 2014-15 Season

By Patrick Stanton

5 Bold Predictions For the Rest of West Virginia Mountaineers’ 2014-15 Season

WV1 — The West Virginia Mountaineers have been one of the biggest surprises in the Big 12 this season. They were expected to remain at the bottom of the conference, but they've climbed the ladder and are currently tied for second place. At this point, there are a number of potential outcomes for how their season will end. Here are five predictions for how the remainder of the season will unfold for the Mountaineers.

5. Opposing Teams Will Figure Out the Press

WV2

5. Opposing Teams Will Figure Out the Press

WV2A — It’s already starting to happen to a degree. Teams that have played the Mountaineers a second time this season come to the rematch with a much clearer understanding of how to break their full-court press. The press has been the Mountaineers’ bread and butter this season, and it is basically their only reliable form defensive set. Look for the Mountaineers to search for other defensive options after the press stops getting to their opponents.

4. Devin Williams Will Emerge As A Star

WV3

4. Devin Williams Will Emerge As A Star

WV3A — Devin Williams showed a lot of potential in his freshman season, and he’s certainly built on that in his sophomore campaign. He has been improving all season and has been one of the better players in the Big 12 in conference play. However, if the Mountaineers are going to compete with bigger teams, they need Williams to continue to improve. He has the potential to be great, and he must start capitalizing on it when the Mountaineers need him most.

3. The Dreadful Shooting Will Improve

WV4

3. The Dreadful Shooting Will Improve

WV4A — The Mountaineers have been one of the worst shooting teams in the Big 12 all season; it is clearly their biggest flaw. However, they have some players who have shown flashes of good shooting. Guards Javon Carter and Jaysean Paige have shot well at times; Williams and Jonathan Holton shoot a high percentage, but aren’t as aggressive with taking shots. Expect Bob Huggins to make sure these guys are shooting the ball more consistently in the future.

2. Juwan Staten Won't Win Big 12 Player of the Year

WV5

2. Juwan Staten Won't Win Big 12 Player of the Year

WV5A — Staten, the Big 12 preseason POY, is a big reason why WVU is playing so well this season. Staten has improved his leadership skills, but his scoring numbers are down this season. This is largely due to less playing time and an overall improved WVU roster, not poor play from Staten. However, other Big 12 players are emerging as stronger candidates. Staten should be first team All-Big 12, but don't expect him to be POY.

1. WVU Won't Earn A High Seed, But Will Make Noise In NCAA Tournament

WV6

1. WVU Won't Earn A High Seed, But Will Make Noise In NCAA Tournament

WV6A — The Mountaineers won’t finish out the season strong enough to earn a top-five seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their schedule is too tough, and they have too much to work on for them to go on a serious win streak. However, they are going to sneak up on some teams in the tournament with their toughness; their press should also work more effectively on teams that won’t have as much time to prepare. Expect the Mountaineers to make a deep run in March.

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