Bob Huggins had to build his roster in a new era, which caused more problems than improvements.

Jan. 15—MORGANTOWN — Bob Huggins addressed the makeup of his WVU men’s basketball roster Saturday using a pronoun that really needed no indication of who he meant.

Huggins stated that “I think people don’t realize we’ve got such an assortment of guys, which is the position they placed us in,” Huggins said after the Mountaineers’ road loss to Oklahoma, 77-76.

“They” refers to the NCAA and the collective rules that were created by the organization that created one time transfer waivers, transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), which allow college athletes to make a profit.

Huggins stated, “Everybody is going portal- and NIL- and all that stuff, ” Huggins added. It’s really messed with our game. I was honest with you, I didn’t understand how to handle it. But, I believe we made it through it okay.”

Huggins spoke only a few short days earlier about the old ways of building programs, the way he spent 41 years as college head coach.

Huggins stated that “We used to bring on freshmen and groomsmen, and then you had seniors or juniors.” “Your seniors would move on and then your juniors would become your guys, and the freshmen would move up. There was some loyalty. There was a sense of belonging.

WVU has had eight players sign in to the portal since 2020. Emmitt Matthews Jr. transferred to Washington, then returned for this season. Jose Perez, a Manhattan transfer, won’t be eligible until next year.

Huggins used this opportunity to open doors for many possibilities. Huggins also filled the roster with five senior players from the portal. Huggins also recruited two new recruits in the 2021 class, and two more junior-college recruits.

While Huggins and the NCAA were not under any pressure to recruit, the temptation to replace ex-players with new recruits is hard to resist.

While it may look great on paper, this decision can cause problems in the overall development of the roster.

Huggins stated that “We have two freshmen (Josiah Davis & Josiah Harris),” which Huggins would love to play. They are too difficult for me to play. I can’t beat them. I’ve got Seth and Kobe (Johnson), who are getting better each day.”

Huggins released this statement about James Okonkwo (second forward) following the Kansas loss

“I promise you, I’m going to play a lot more,”

Okonkwo played six minutes in each of the games since then, but did not play against Oklahoma.

The Mountaineers (10-7 and 0-5 Big Twelve) now find themselves in a tough spot.

WVU’s offensive and defensive strategies will not be aided by a sudden youth movement. However, the status quo has not worked since Big 12 play began.

Huggins said that there should be loyalty and togetherness within the WVU program. Perez could become eligible after Tre Mitchell, Joe Toussaint, and Jimmy Bell Jr. have completed a full year. Okonkwo and Wilson are also eligible.

That would be one big “if”, as in, if the group decides to stay together and no one leaves or chooses to pursue a career.

Huggins has other ideas and isn’t interested in next season at the moment.

Huggins said, “I think that for all of the doubters out there. We’re going to be good team.” Huggins stated that he hopes his fans will continue to support him and become a part the turnaround we are going through.

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