Honor Huff finds himself at an intriguing crossroads as West Virginia gears up for postseason action in the Big 12 Tournament. The Mountaineers are set to face the winner of tonight's clash between BYU and Kansas State, and Huff’s recent performance is a mixed bag worthy of analysis.
In his final regular-season game, Huff showcased his shooting prowess by sinking four 3-pointers. However, he also missed 10 attempts, landing him at a 28.6 percent success rate-slightly below his average during Big 12 play.
But here's where it gets interesting: Huff was fouled twice while shooting from beyond the arc, converting all six resulting free throws. This strategic play effectively boosted his performance to a 42.9 percent success rate, showing his knack for drawing fouls and capitalizing on them.
Huff’s ability to manipulate defenders is a skill he honed during his years in the Southern Conference with VMI and Chattanooga. "It’s different in the Big 12," Huff admits, acknowledging the tougher competition.
Yet, he’s mastered the art of using defenders' momentum to his advantage. By subtly adjusting his body or extending his follow-through, he often compels defenders into fouling him-tactics that keep referees on their toes.
As West Virginia prepares for their next challenge, Huff’s dual-threat capability-shooting and drawing fouls-could be a game-changer. His performance will be pivotal as the Mountaineers aim to make a deep run in the tournament.