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Deuce McBride gaining attention at the next level

(Bob Huggins Zoom Conference – Oct. 22)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It is perhaps widely assumed that forwards Derek Culver and Oscar Tshiebwe are West Virginia’s most professional-ready prospects on this year’s roster. According to head coach Bob Huggins, that title belongs to his sophomore guard from Cincinnati who earned All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors last winter. Deuce McBride is the player those from the pros want to know about.

“He has really studied being a point guard and being able to get other people involved,” Huggins said. “But at the same time, he is probably our best guy at creating his own shot when needed. From a standpoint of calls and interest from people at the next level, he is the first name out of their mouth.

“He has really, I think, made a name for himself in basketball circles.”

West Virginia Mountaineers guard Miles McBride (4) (Photo by Ben Queen-USA Today)

Culver and Tshiebwe will be critical to WVU’s success for a number of reasons. But Huggins says they must improve finishing around the basket and getting to the charity stripe.

“Those guys in particular, cause they are going to get fouled more than anybody else, didn’t make free throws. Secondly, take the game at Oklahoma — we missed 22 shots inside of 4 feet. 22. I think it starts with those guys being able to do what they are going to do in the game. They are not going to shoot 3’s. They are not going to shoot anything more than a 12 to 15-foot jump shot.”

West Virginia finished last in the Big 12 in three-point shooting percentage last winter, connecting on just 28.6% of their attempts. Huggins is encouraged by progress he has seen from his guards in the preseason.

“It has looked refreshing. Sean (McNeil) has had days where he’s been unbelievable. Taz (Sherman) has had days where he has shot the ball really well. But they are not the only ones. Deuce has shot the ball really well. I think Jordan (McCabe) is out of that slump he went through a year ago. He is shooting it really well.”

Last week, the NCAA Division I Council allowed winter sport student-athletes who compete during 2020-21 to receive both an additional season of competition and an additional year in which to complete it. Huggins says to this point, none of his players have approached him with intentions to opt-out of this season.

“Our guys are of the mindset that we have a chance to do some special things and they want to be a part of it. I haven’t had anybody talk about next year or anything other than this year and what we have to do to be successful.”

Welcome back Juwan Staten

Two-time All-Big 12 first team guard Juwan Staten is back in Morgantown as a graduate assistant coach. He played professionally in Belgium, Finland, France, Estonia and Hungary since graduating from WVU in 2015.

Former West Virginia Mountaineers guard Juwan Staten (Photo by Rick Osentoski-USA Today)

“He decided he wanted to come back and most importantly finish his masters degree and get his feet wet in the coaching profession. We are excited about having him. He was obviously a great player here and I think playing in Europe and learning more over there and being able to impart that. Our guys think the world of him.”

No tuneup games this season

In a normal year, college basketball teams are allowed to host an open scrimmage with fans in attendance, a closed scrimmage and a preseason game prior to opening up the regular season. This winter, the first time players take the floor against an opponent will be in the season opener. For West Virginia, that game comes against Texas A&M on November 25 in the opening game of the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic in Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Certainly, not playing an exhibition game is not in the benefit of the student-athlete. Those opportunities to where they can get out and play and learn and not be scrutinized by whomever, fans or media, I think it is tremendous.

“We are going to play Texas A&M our first game and there are going to be guys that will not get in the game. Let’s be honest about it.

“If you had a scrimmage, if you had an exhibition, who can play those guys. You can play them and they will feel more a part of the team. You can evaluate them a heck of a lot better. They can evaluate themselves a heck of a lot better. It is a decision made by people who don’t know what the heck we do.”

Still waiting on a schedule

West Virginia’s first three games will be in South Dakota but only two other dates on the 27-game schedule are confirmed. WVU will face an opponent yet to be determined in the Big East/Big 12 Battle on December 5. And the Mountaineers will host Florida in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on January 30. Huggins and all Big 12 coaches are still waiting on the league slate.

“We have heard we are not going to get it for a while.

“In their defense, with all of these leagues all coming down at the same time and everybody having issues, it has just been rough. I know this, we are going to be the first game on television.”





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