Morgantown, West Virginia – Former West Virginia assistant coach Billy Hahn, who worked with Bob Huggins for several years, recently attended the first scrimmage game for the Mountaineers.
The players were divided up into two teams. The “White” Team was coached by assistant coach Erik Martin and had the following players: Miles McBride, Taz Sherman, Jalen Bridges, Oscar Tshiebwe, Taj Thweatt and Isaiah Cottrell.
The “Blue” Team was coached by assistant Ron Everhart and consisted of the following players: Sean McNeil, Jordan McCabe, Derek Culver, Gabe Osabuohien and Emmitt Matthews, Jr.
The game was a back and forth contest throughout the first half was tied 32-32 at halftime. However, the White Team pulled away and outscored the Blue Team by 14 points in the 2nd half.
Senior guard Taz Sherman led the White with 27 points on an incredible 8-8 from 3 point range. Sophomore forward Oscar Tshiebwe added 21 points and 11 rebounds.
The Blue Team was led by Derek Culver, who finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Emmitt Matthews contributed 18 points.
Other standouts, according to Coach Hahn, were freshmen Isaiah Cottrell and Jalen Bridges. Hahn called Cottrell “long, lengthy and talented” but also cautioned that he’s not nearly as strong as West Virginia’s other interior players and that he was bullied by Gabe Osabuohien, Oscar Tshiebwe and Derek Culver.
Hahn said that redshirt freshman Bridges “is going to be a real player for the Mountaineers” and that he’s ready to step in and contribute immediately.
Head Coach Bob Huggins watched and took notes during the game, but did not interact with any of the players or coaches. West Virginia will have another full-length scrimmage tomorrow and the game will feature referees. It’s unclear if the game will be a rematch of the previous scrimmage, or if teams will be changed for the game. Stay turned to The Voice of Motown!
