West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Scrub]

JJ Harper is showing on the recently-released 24-25 Concord roster. Did he have a change of heart, or is that an error?

It's interesting that programs get to decide when to release their rosters. So Concord's is out already. WLU won't release theirs until, like, October. They always wait until everyone is there and photographed. WLU does it in every sport. Even Fall sport rosters aren't posted yet. You'd think the NCAA or the conferences would have some rule about posting.

[Columbuseer]

JJ Harper is showing on the recently-released 24-25 Concord roster. Did he have a change of heart, or is that an error?

It is an error. J J Harper is rapidly adapting and making an impact this summer at wlu.

[Scrub]

Aiden Davis committed, franchise PG

It's also been a while (unless I'm forgetting someone) since we had an impact player from a local OVAC school (the aforementioned Monteroso would count). Bubby Goodwin had a decent year before moving on (to Slippery Rock if I recall). But as far as true impact (or "franchise" to use your words), we probably have to go back to Jerry Ammirante or AD's own coach Michael Jebbia to find a "franchise" player from a local high school here at WLU.

[Scrub]

Aiden Davis committed, franchise PG

But isn't the rumor that he ALSO wants to be the franchise QB? Is he signing on as a two-sport? And how will that work out? Worked o.k. for Monteroso, but not for all 4 years.

[Layton]

Aiden Davis committed, franchise PG

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Fyi current wlu roster

Veterans - 5

Daugustino
Kisner
Shuler
Spadafora
Woodward



Transfers - 5

Autrey
Clanet
Harper
Shull
Stewart


Freshmen - 4

Chester
Dragas
Kent
Tinsley

JJ Harper is showing on the recently-released 24-25 Concord roster. Did he have a change of heart, or is that an error?

[Columbuseer]

FYI
from hilltoppersports.com

West Liberty Men’s Basketball Receives NABC Team Academic Excellence Award


7/18/2024 12:13:00 PM Story Links

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The West Liberty University men's basketball team was recognized for their work in the classroom on Monday as they received a NABC Team Academic Excellence Award.

With a cumulative team GPA of _ during the 2023-24 academic year, the Hilltoppers are among the more than 360 men's basketball programs around the country to earn the accolade. To be eligible for the award a team must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the previous academic year. Additionally, the Hilltoppers placed five individuals on the list of more than 2,100 student-athletes receiving the NABC Honors Court award which recognizes student-athletes who are at least a junior and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2. Among the WLU athletes honored were Alek West (Biology (Pre-Med)), Ben Sarson (Business), Chaz Hinds (Business), John Korte (MBA Coaching and Leadership), and Zach Rasile (Finance).

West Liberty is one of just two intercollegiate men's basketball programs within the state of West Virginia and one of just two within the Mountain East Conference to receive the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award.

[boatcapt]

I agree that it has always been an emphasis. It seems like this year they want to take it back to the years when wlu averaged 40% as a team, albeit with a closer 3 pt line. But with taller, stronger athletes.

Have to wait and see. 9 new players is challenging.

If we can shoot 40% from 3 as a team, we will be hard to beat. At that %, rebounds become less important because there are far fewer of them to get. It also let you get into your full court pressure easier which increases the effectiveness of it. When running at full effectiveness, the WLU press produces a bunch of turn overs which effectively gives them real chances at FIVE points plays.

WLU has the players, on paper, that can do it. Just a matter of if they can do it with this cast.

[Columbuseer]

Fyi
west liberty plays Missouri S&T Dec 20 430 pm EST at Las Vegas Southpoint Arena.

[Columbuseer]

WLU always emphasizes 3 point shooting. The big question is can they shoot at a high enough percentage to burry opponents and cover up areas were they are deficient. We'll see this year with our cast of largely new or unproven players.

Really, with WLU it's how they set themselves up for the NCAA tourney. They will probably skate through most of the regular season because with a couple of exceptions, they simply are better than most of the league.

I agree that it has always been an emphasis. It seems like this year they want to take it back to the years when wlu averaged 40% as a team, albeit with a closer 3 pt line. But with taller, stronger athletes.

Have to wait and see. 9 new players is challenging.

[boatcapt]

It appears that wlu is emphasizing great 3-pt shooters on this year's team.
imho, here are the players I would consider having elite potential of 40%+ 3 pt accuracy, in no particular order:

o Spadafora

o Dragas

o Shull

o Kent

o Autrey

o Tinsley

Imho Here are 3 pt shooters with 35% - 40% potential

o Chester

o Harper

o Kisner

o Shuler

o Clanet

o Stewart

o D’Augustino

WLU always emphasizes 3 point shooting. The big question is can they shoot at a high enough percentage to burry opponents and cover up areas were they are deficient. We'll see this year with our cast of largely new or unproven players.

Really, with WLU it's how they set themselves up for the NCAA tourney. They will probably skate through most of the regular season because with a couple of exceptions, they simply are better than most of the league.

[Columbuseer]

It appears that wlu is emphasizing great 3-pt shooters on this year's team.
imho, here are the players I would consider having elite potential of 40%+ 3 pt accuracy, in no particular order:

o Spadafora

o Dragas

o Shull

o Kent

o Autrey

o Tinsley

Imho Here are 3 pt shooters with 35% - 40% potential

o Chester

o Harper

o Kisner

o Shuler

o Clanet

o Stewart

o D’Augustino

[Columbuseer]

Fyi
west chester plays at west liberty on nov 8 and wheeling on Nov 9.
have not identified the 4th team.

[Columbuseer]

Not a lot of continuity is one issue under Ben. Crutch seemed to hold onto guys for 4-5 years more often

Extenuating circumstances.
Crutch was at wlu before the advent of unlimited transfers.
Yoakum was at wlu for 5 years. He fulfilled his obligation. Butler graduated.
Extra covid year also played a role for bolon and Robinson who went d1.
shifflet and Watson are on second school after wlu.
Some guys just could not develop their complete game, which is necessary for success at wlu.

Given there are 1000 in the d2 portal, it is not isolated to wlu.
after nova se won the championship, 5 guys transferred, many of them in top 7 players.

[boatcapt]

Not a lot of continuity is one issue under Ben. Crutch seemed to hold onto guys for 4-5 years more often

Sadly, that's the changing landscape of basketball. Players don't stay in one program. WLU and Ben are also victims of their own success which has resulted in better players coming to the Hilltop. While WLU does go much deeper into their bench than many top tier programs, the result is that the number 8, 9 and 10 guys get serious game experience. This experience makes them wonder if they can become stars elsewhere. So they jump into the portal were they often find many suitors willing to make them the center piece of their teams.