The West Virginia Mountaineers will look very different next year than they look this season, and some of the players who will leave the team might come as a bit of a surprise. Listed below are the current Mountaineers who are likely to leave, could possibly leave, unlikely to leave and the players who are definitely staying:
Likely
Oscar Tshiebwe – While he is not fully NBA-ready, his body is very mature and he has a knack for rebounding like no one else in college basketball. The idea of Tshiebwe being a one-and-done player seemed unlikely prior to this season, but he has exceeded expectations and has shown that he can compete physically with anyone and has limitless potential for the future.
Possible
Derek Culver – Make no mistake about it, Derek Culver is frustrated in West Virginia’s offense and his body language reeks of unhappiness while on the court. Although both are extremely talented, Culver and Oscar Tshiebwe don’t play well next to each other. If Tshiebwe moves on to the NBA next season, Culver is far more likely to return. If Tshiebwe returns, there’s an outside chance that Culver considers going elsewhere.
Emmitt Matthews, Jr. and Jordan McCabe – This season has been an extremely frustrating, disappointing season for each of these players personally, but neither seem like the type of individuals who would ever quit on a team or give up when things get tough. Matthews and McCabe are leaders of this team, but lack of playing time could cause these two players who seemed destined to finish their careers as Mountaineers to transfer.
Unlikely/Not Happening
Sean McNeil or Taz Sherman – Both McNeil and Sherman were highly-regarded junior college players and could have gone virtually anywhere in the offseason. Neither can be very happy with how this season has gone individually. One of the players will get far more playing time next season with Jermaine Haley graduating, but both likely feel that they should start and the one who doesn’t win the starting job could be gone.
Definitely Staying
Gabe Osabuohien and Miles McBride – Osabuohien and McBride fit into Bob Huggins’ system perfectly and will be two key players for West Virginia’s future. Osabuohien will get more time with Tshiebwe potentially moving on and McBride should be the Mountaineers’ starting point guard for the next three seasons.
Players Graduating: Chase Harler, Logan Routt and Jermaine Haley
Key Additions: Jalen Bridges, Isaiah Cottrell, Kedrian Johnson and Taj Thweatt
