MAILBAG: Who Could Leave Hoops Team, Early Look at PSU, Bowl Game? + More

From @jferg1: How many hoopers leave because they are recruiting their spots? Okonkwo? Wilson?

Answer: I don't see Okonkwo or Wilson leaving. In my opinion, Kobe Johnson, Jamel King, and Jimmy Bell Jr. are the ones I'm keeping my eyes on. If WVU lands another experienced, physical, big similar to Bell, I would think he's moving on. King has played well in the extremely limited minutes he has played, but it's two years in the program without cracking the rotation, so he may want to go elsewhere. And as for Kobe, I think he's probably the least likely to leave but wouldn't be shocked if he did.

From @wvberryboy1: How much of PSUs football team is coming back this fall from last season?

Answer: New starting QB, return top two backs, two of top three receivers, four of starting five up front. Three of four d-linemen, one linebacker, one corner, no safeties.

From @NotABallMan: Can we have a positive conference record?

Answer: For football? Eh, probably not. Basketball season next year? Yes, depending on how the portal season goes.

From @dollabillz2517: Can we realistically make a bowl game? How many more losses before Neal brown gets fired?

Answer: It's realistic, but not likely. I don't see them walking out of State College with a win and if the Pitt game doesn't go their way, it becomes a major uphill battle to get to a bowl. 5-7 or worse likely results in WVU looking for a new coach. 6-6 may be enough to keep his job, especially if he wins the bowl game. But that's still walking on thin ice, in my opinion.

From @wi_thompson: Defense will be a big question. We heard last year how athletic the DBs were but they played horribly. What will be the biggest need/work the staff needs to get the defense back to play really well by the gauntlet of Sept.? Need to improve tremendously to be able to compete and win.

Their front seven had some good moments last year, particularly the d-line. You lose Stills, Alston, and Jefferson, so that's a lot of production that you're going to have to replace. Pressuring the QB is a major concern, but tackling/back end communication has to improve this season.

From @JSZ412: Where is Nicco?

Answer: Assuming this question is in regard to the depth chart, I would say he has a good chance of being the starter but right now, there is no leader in the race. That will occur at some point during the spring.

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