Three Observations from WVU's Scrimmage vs. George Mason

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West Virginia defeated the George Mason Patriots last Friday 85-78 in the team's charity exhibition game. After re-watching the game over the weekend, I wanted to jot down a few thoughts on the first impression this team gave.
Jesse Edwards and Kerr Kriisa are as good as advertised
As Eilert noted, Edwards played more than everyone probably would have liked but the Mountaineers had to win the game. And boy, did he take over. 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in his first game and it looked too easy for him. There's going to be many times this season where WVU is going to need 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 3+ blocks and when he hits those marks, he's going to give this team a chance to win. The scary thing is he's not even anywhere close to feeling 100% comfortable in this system yet.
As for Kriisa, it wasn't his best performance but you can tell that he's going to be one of the best if not the best point guard in the Big 12 Conference. He has a knack for passing guys open and facilitating the rock. And I do agree with Eilert in that he needs to be a little more selfish and attempt a few more shots.
Depth is a legitimate concern
Edwards, Kriisa, Seth Wilson, Kobe Johnson, Josiah Harris, Quinn Slazinski, and Pat Suemnick. That's about all West Virginia can throw out there right now against Power Five competition. Akok Akok would be among that group if he returns but that's a big if. This team will go as far as Kriisa and Edwards will take them.
If they make a ton of shots, they'll win games
Defensively, there's a lot of work that needs to be done. The Mountaineers had all sorts of issues staying in front of their man and could have done a lot better work on the glass. Aside from Edwards and Johnson, this roster does not feature much upside on the defensive end of the floor. In order for this team to win games, they're going to have to outscore people.
WVU Provides Update on Akok Akok
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Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.
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