West Virginia’s season opener gave Ross Hodge a first real look at how his lineup and rotation might take shape, and the early read is that nothing is locked in yet.
The Mountaineers shook off a rough start against Niagara, falling behind by as many as 10 points before tightening up defensively and turning the game into a 91-46 rout on Monday night. It was the kind of opener that offered a little bit of everything: a reminder that this group is still being sorted out, and a glimpse of the pieces Hodge already trusts.
The starting five was Miles Sadler, Finley Bizjack, Seydou Traore, Brenen Lorient and Mouhamed Sylla. That group had mostly been expected, but Traore getting the nod at the three over Joson Sanon was still worth noting.
It marked the third straight game Traore started there, going back to the exhibitions, while Sanon opened the first exhibition against Maryland. Traore played 15 minutes, and Sanon was on the floor a little longer at 20.
That kind of choice could keep changing depending on the matchup. Hodge appears comfortable sticking with the same five when things are rolling, but the source of the decision seems pretty clear: if West Virginia wants a little more defense to start games, Traore is the guy.
The five starters also gave a fuller picture of what they can do together. Sadler was one assist shy of a double-double.
Bizjack didn’t shoot it especially well, but he found ways to get to the foul line. Traore brought his usual defensive edge.
Lorient hit shots. And Sylla was efficient all night, going 5-for-5 from the field while adding seven rebounds.
Beyond the starters, there are still questions about how deep the rotation really goes. Martin Somerville, Joson Sanon, Javan Buchanan and Amadou Seini formed the next group to watch, even if Niagara makes it hard to draw sweeping conclusions. Still, Somerville showed he can affect the game, Sanon flashed his perimeter scoring ability, and Buchanan left an impression with a pump fake that clearly stands out.
The biggest rotation question may be whether Keonte Greybear is part of the regular mix or simply the 10th man. After the Wheeling exhibition, that was still up in the air. He showed some encouraging moments, and there’s no doubt he has a future in Morgantown, but for now the expectation is that he spends most of this season learning and developing unless injuries force the issue.
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West Virginia Freshman Gives Fans A Lot To Talk About After Opener
West Virginias season opener had the kind of feel-good start every team wants, and freshman Miles Sadler was right at the center of it. In a 91-46 win over Niagara, Sadler made an immediate impression in his collegiate debut, leading the Mountaineers with 16 points while also handing out nine assists and picking up three steals.
The larger takeaway for West Virginia was just as encouraging. After a first half that still had some room to tighten up, the defense sharpened considerably after the break and helped force 24 turnovers, turning the game into a runaway. For a team looking to set a tone early, the combination of a lopsided finish and a freshman guard already looking comfortable gave fans plenty to discuss. [Read more 🡒]
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The Purdue game pushes West Virginia to 10 Power Four games in 2027, which satisfies the requirement for the expanded College Football Playoff format. It will also be the third meeting between the schools, with the series currently split at one win apiece, so there is at least a little history attached to a game that should already carry some weight when it finally lands on the calendar. [Read more 🡒]
WVU Has A Mike Hawkins Jr. Decision That Could Shape Everything
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Rich Rodriguez has made it clear that the Mountaineers see underclassmen like Hawkins as foundational pieces, not just short-term depth. West Virginia believes it can hold onto its key players while still adding talent through the transfer portal, but the Hawkins situation is the kind of decision that can shape the roster well beyond one season. If the staff can close the gap there, it would be a meaningful sign that the programs future is starting to take shape the way it wants. [Read more 🡒]