West Virginia is in a unique situation.
14 days ago at the beginning of December, the Mountaineers had eight guys who could play, realistically seven who consistently saw playing time. Now, that number is at least at 10, and could expand to 12 depending on which route the Mountaineers decide to go.
Kerr Kriisa
Kerr Kriisa is definitely back. He served his nine-game suspension and the Mountaineers will gladly take his services at point guard. Not to say Kobe Johnson didn’t do a good job filling in, but the idea when this team reconstructed their offense, was Kriisa would be running the show. Now he is.
Battle + Farrakhan?
Both RaeQuan Battle and Noah Farrakhan could return to the court this weekend for West Virginia. Battle is a for sure starter if he plays, while Farrakhan figures to be a piece to come off the bench. Either way, this helps the overall rotation, and there should be an increase in the talent on the floor with both guys out there.
What Happens to Kobe?
As mentioned earlier, Kobe Johnson has filled in and really been one of WVU’s better players on both ends of the floor this season. Johnson has averaged the most minutes this season (35.1 minutes per game), and is third on the team in scoring (10.3 points per g game).
Having Johnson either play in the two-guard slot, or come off the bench for Kriisa could both be scenarios WVU goes. Johnson would obviously be on the floor if WVU ran a three-guard lineup, and he figures to see some action on the floor when he is paired with Kriisa as he’s one of WVU’s best on-ball defenders.
Helping Out Ofri
Ofri Naveh has been thrust into a very big role early on in his career. Six months ago he was not even in the United States, now he has been a starter at times for WVU. I think the added depth helps him more than anyone. He can continue to play, but he is not counted on being a key contributor which is a somewhat unfair role for him to assume so early in his career. He can now shift between the three and the four spot depending on different rotations, and he also probably slides to the bench.
Projections
As of now, if everyone plays (including Battle and Farrakhan), here’s how I think things shake out:
Starters
G: Kerr Kriisa
G: Kobe Johnson
G: RaeQuan Battle
F: Quinn Slazinski
C: Jesse Edwards
This would be a starting lineup and I think as Akok Akok continues to get up to speed, you could see Slazinski slide to the three, Akok at the four, and Edwards stay at the five. On the flip side, WVU could also slide Battle to the two, and insert Naveh or Josiah Harris at the three.
Full Rotation
G: Kerr Kriisa/ Noah Farrakhan / Jeremiah Bembry
G: Kobe Johnson/ Seth Wilson /
F: RaeQuan Battle/ Ofri Naveh / Josiah Harris
F: Quinn Slazinski / Akok Akok
C: Jesse Edwards / Pat Suemnick
