Mountaineers Bolster Roster as Eaglestaff, Lorient Return
Morgantown, West Virginia – In a significant boost for the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball program, key players Treysen Eaglestaff and Brenen Lorient have officially withdrawn from the NBA Draft process. The return of these players shores up the Mountaineers’ lineup and addresses critical roster needs as Head Coach Ross Hodge continues to shape his team for the upcoming season.
Key Players Opt to Stay with Mountaineers
Treysen Eaglestaff, a highly sought-after transfer from North Dakota, and Brenen Lorient, an impactful forward from North Texas, will both be returning to the mountaineers. Their decisions provide Coach Hodge with crucial pieces as he navigates through a roster overhaul.
While their return wasn’t entirely unexpected, confirming their commitment solidifies the foundation Coach Hodge is building in Morgantown. Both players bring unique skill sets and experience to a team looking to make waves in the Big 12 conference.
Treysen Eaglestaff: Offensive Firepower
Eaglestaff arrives in Morgantown after a stellar season at North Dakota, where he averaged 18.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His shooting prowess, with 41.6% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range,makes him a potent offensive threat.
“Eaglestaff’s ability to score both on and off the ball will be invaluable,” says basketball analyst John Miller. “His versatility will create matchup problems for opponents.”
After initially committing to South Carolina, Eaglestaff considered offers from programs like BYU and Gonzaga before ultimately choosing West Virginia. With one year of eligibility remaining, he’s poised to make a significant impact in the big 12.
Brenen Lorient: Versatile Forward
Brenen Lorient enjoyed a breakout season at North Texas, earning First-Team All-AAC honors and the AAC Sixth Man of the Year award. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 57% from the field and nearly 48% from three-point range.
Lorient’s athleticism and ability to stretch the floor make him an ideal fit for the Mountaineers’ system. His defensive presence and shot-blocking ability further enhance his value to the team.
Following Coach Hodge from North Texas, Lorient brings a proven track record of success and a strong understanding of the coach’s strategies.
Mountaineers Roster Shaping Up
With Eaglestaff and Lorient officially in the fold, West Virginia now has ten roster spots filled. Though, Coach hodge and his staff are still actively searching for additional pieces to complete the team.
The priority remains adding another skilled big man, at least one more guard, and potentially another wing player who can consistently attack the basket.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on late transfer portal entries. Unexpected talent often becomes available during the summer months.
This marks the second consecutive year of significant roster reconstruction for the Mountaineers. The return of Eaglestaff and Lorient provides a solid foundation upon which Coach Hodge can build a competitive team.
West Virginia Mountaineers: 2024-25 Roster Outlook
| Player | Position | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treysen Eaglestaff | Guard/Forward | 1 Year | High-scoring transfer from North Dakota |
| Brenen Lorient | Forward | 1 Year | AAC standout from North Texas |
| Remaining Spots | Various | N/A | Coach looking to fill with big man, guard, and wing |
Building a Successful College Basketball Roster
Constructing a competitive college basketball roster is an ongoing process that requires careful evaluation, strategic recruiting, and player advancement. Coaches must identify talent that fits their system, build a cohesive team culture, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly significant tool for roster construction,allowing teams to quickly address needs and add experienced players. Though, coaches must also prioritize player retention and develop young talent within their programs to build sustained success.
Did you Know? The NCAA transfer portal was established in october 2018, giving student-athletes more control over their athletic careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What impact is Treysen Eaglestaff expected to have on the Mountaineers?
A: Treysen eaglestaff is expected to be a major offensive piece for the Mountaineers, capable of scoring both on and off the ball. -
Q: What role did Brenen Lorient play at North Texas?
A: Brenen Lorient was a standout forward at North Texas, earning American Athletic Conference First-Team All-League and Sixth Man of the Year honors. -
Q: What positions are the West Virginia Mountaineers still looking to fill?
A: The Mountaineers are looking to add at least one more big man, a guard, and potentially another wing player. -
Q: Why is the return of these players significant for the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball program?
A: Their return provides stability and experienced talent to a roster undergoing a significant rebuild for the second consecutive year. -
Q: How has the transfer portal affected college basketball roster construction?
A: The transfer portal has become a crucial tool for teams to quickly fill roster gaps and add experienced talent, but it also presents challenges in terms of player retention and team cohesion.
What are your thoughts on the Mountaineers’ roster moves? Do you think these additions will be enough to compete in the Big 12? Share your predictions and comments below.
Considering the important transfer portal activity,what is the most pressing concern for West Virginia Mountaineer fans regarding the 2024-2025 basketball season?
West Virginia Basketball Roster Takes Shape
New Additions & Transfers for the 2024-2025 Season
The West Virginia Mountaineers basketball program is undergoing significant changes as Head Coach Josh Eilert builds his roster for the 2024-2025 season. following a challenging 2023-2024 campaign, the focus is on rebuilding with a mix of experienced returners, promising freshmen, and strategic NCAA transfer portal additions. The WVU basketball roster is evolving quickly,and fans are eager to see how these pieces fit together. Key areas of focus include bolstering the frontcourt and adding shooting depth.
Key Transfer Acquisitions
The Mountaineers have been active in the transfer portal,landing several players expected to contribute instantly. These additions address specific needs identified by Coach Eilert. Here’s a look at some of the most impactful transfers:
- Kerr Kriisa (Arizona): A highly-regarded point guard, Kriisa brings scoring ability and experience to the backcourt. His addition is crucial for improving the team’s offensive efficiency.
- jalen Bridges (baylor): Returning to Morgantown after a year at Baylor, Bridges provides much-needed size and shooting in the frontcourt. His familiarity with the program is a bonus.
- Quinn Slazinski (Charleston Southern): A proven scorer, Slazinski offers a reliable outside shooting threat.
returning Players & Core contributors
While the transfer portal has been a major focus, several key players from last year’s WVU basketball team are returning. Their leadership and experience will be vital during the rebuilding process. The success of the 2024-2025 season will heavily rely on their continued advancement.
Notable Returners
- Jesse Edwards (Center): A dominant presence in the paint, Edwards is expected to anchor the defense and provide rebounding.
- Kobe Johnson (Guard): A versatile defender and improving scorer, Johnson will play a key role in the team’s perimeter defense.
- Josiah Harris (Guard): Harris is poised for a breakout season, offering athleticism and potential as a scoring threat.
Freshman Class: Future of Mountaineer Basketball
The West Virginia Mountaineers also welcomed a promising freshman class, adding depth and potential for the future. These young players represent the long-term vision of the program. Developing this class will be crucial for sustained success. Recruiting in the state of West Virginia high school basketball remains a priority.
2024 Recruiting Class Highlights
The incoming freshman class features a blend of skill and athleticism. Here’s a rapid overview:
| Player Name | Position | High School | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamison Battle | Forward | De La Salle High School (CA) | Versatile scorer, strong rebounder |
| Aric Holman | Forward | Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) | athletic, defensive-minded |
| Brandon Knapper | Guard | Immaculata Regional High School (NJ) | Shooting specialist, quick ball-handler |
Position Breakdown & Projected Starting Lineup
Predicting a starting lineup this early is challenging, but based on current roster composition and coaching comments, here’s a potential look at how the WVU basketball lineup might shake out:
- Point Guard: Kerr Kriisa
- Shooting Guard: Quinn slazinski
- Small Forward: Jalen Bridges
- Power Forward: Josiah Harris
- Center: Jesse Edwards
This is, of course, subject to change based on player performance during training camp and early-season games. Coach Eilert is known for his emphasis on versatility, so expect to see different lineups depending on the opponent and game situation. The Big 12 conference basketball schedule is notoriously competitive, requiring a deep and adaptable roster.
Depth Chart Considerations
Beyond the projected starters, several players will compete for significant minutes. Kobe Johnson’s defensive prowess and Brandon Knapper’s shooting ability will be valuable assets off the bench. The development of the freshman class will also be key to providing depth throughout the season. Monitoring the WVU basketball schedule and game results will provide insights into player rotations.
impact of NIL & the Transfer Portal on WVU Basketball
The evolving landscape of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal has considerably impacted college basketball, and West Virginia is no exception. Successfully navigating these changes is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. The Mountaineer basketball program is actively working to leverage NIL opportunities to support its players and enhance its recruiting efforts. Staying competitive in the Big 12 basketball standings requires a commitment to both player development and roster management.
for more information on the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball program, visit the official WVU Sports website.
