West Virginia got a major boost on Wednesday when a court ruled in favor of Brenen Lorient and Javan Buchanan, handing both players a fifth year of eligibility. The NCAA can still appeal, but for now, Ross Hodge has them cleared and available.
That changes the look of the Mountaineers in a big way.
Hodge suddenly has a deep backcourt, headlined by one of the country’s most talented guards and backed by a veteran with Power Four experience in Somerville. Amir Jenkins is also expected back at some point, and his return should add another layer to the guard rotation. There’s also real intrigue around what Jenkins can do offensively now that he won’t be dealing with the shoulder injury that limited him.
Freshman Greybear is listed second at the point, though there’s reason to think Sanon could see time there as well, along with some of the backup point duties from Somerville or Jenkins. Greybear has plenty of talent and a bright future, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up outside the rotation this season. Bizjack, meanwhile, is expected to soak up heavy minutes while the versatile options at the wing fill in around him.
The ruling for Lorient and Buchanan also gives West Virginia more flexibility on the wing. Seydou Traore can now settle into a more natural role at the three behind Sanon, and those two offer very different looks. Sanon brings the tools to be a high-level offensive player, while Traore gives Hodge a tougher, more physical defensive option whenever he wants to change the tone of the lineup.
At forward, Hodge may already have two starters locked in.
Lorient was excellent for the Mountaineers last season, and Buchanan arrives after being just as steady for Boise State. Buchanan averaged 12.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game with the Broncos a year ago. Lorient is the more explosive athlete, while Buchanan adds a different kind of value with his versatility.
Sylla is another name to watch. He has the kind of upside that could make him an all-league player once everything clicks.
Injuries limited him to less than half a season at Georgia Tech last year, so it may take some time before he fully settles into a new system. Still, his athleticism jumps off the page, and that alone should help him make an impact right away in Morgantown.
And then there’s Seini, who is quickly starting to look like a hidden gem. From everything being heard, he has gotten off to a really strong start.
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WVU Heads Into Iowa State With One Big Depth Test Looming
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Iowa States first report brought a notable setback of its own, with starting left guard Caden Maas ruled out. For West Virginia, the bigger question is how much it can lean on its receiver rotation if Weaver-Bomar cannot go, especially in a road game where every available body matters as the Big 12 schedule starts to squeeze. [Read more 🡒]