High Hopes for WVU Basketball

By Heath Bloxton
The Mountaineer basketball team is ready for another successful season. After an Elite 8 finish last season, the Mountaineers will have high expectations as they are predicted to finish fifth in a tough Big East Conference.

West Virginia has quickly gone from being the hunter to being the hunted. Coach John Beilein thinks it is a concern and does not want the “expectations” to get to his players. He feels they should put everything aside, and focus on winning basketball games and working hard.

WVU returns four starters and five seniors, including forward Mike Gansey and center Kevin Pittsnogle. Gansey averaged 12 points per game and Pittsnogle averaged 11.9 points per game.

Returning in the backcourt for the Mountaineers are seniors J.D. Collins and Joe Herber. Also returning from last year’s bench are Patrick Beilein, Frank Young, and Darris Nichols. All three players contributed effectively in last year’s tournament play.

Penn State transfer Robert Summers seems to be Pittsnogle’s backup at the center position. Freshmen Alex Ruoff and Joe Alexander could see some playing time as well.

The Mountaineers will face another tough season, but hope to repeat their trip to the NCAA Tournament.