Projected Starting Five + Rotation for Possible New-Look WVU
Wednesday, a district judge issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA which prevents them from enforcing their transfer rules. This means that two-time transfers RaeQuan Battle and Noah Farrakhan are eligible to play in at least the next three games for West Virginia.
However, the permanent decision on the NCAA transfer rules will be decided at the next hearing on December 27th, the same day as West Virginia's bowl game against North Carolina.
If Eilert decides to play Battle and Farrakhan, the starting five and rotation will look much different. Here's how I see it.
STARTING FIVE: Kerr Kriisa, Seth Wilson, RaeQuan Battle, Quinn Slazinski, Jesse Edwards
BENCH: Kobe Johnson, Akok Akok, Josiah Harris, Noah Farrakhan, Ofri Naveh, Pat Suemnick, Jeremiah Bembry, Ali Ragab.
Why this five? You could put Kobe Johnson in over Seth Wilson, but it would benefit Kobe to come off the bench as the backup point and potentially sub in for Wilson and play his more natural position off the ball. No, Wilson hasn't played that well to start the season but he hasn't had a true point guard to work alongside and that's what he needs to be at his best. Kerr will allow Wilson to be more effective on the offensive end and will give you the most consistent production in the backcourt.
The way Slazinski has played, you can't take him out of the starting lineup. Plus, Akok is still getting worked back in slowly. I don't see him playing 20+ minutes per night any time soon, so until that happens, he's coming off the bench where they can better handle when he's in the game.
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