The West Virginia University Mountaineers men’s basketball team will begin the 2024-2025 season on November 7, 2024, when they host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at the WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers will then travel to face the Purdue Boilermakers in the Big 12/ACC Challenge on November 12, 2024. WVU will open their Big 12 Conference schedule on December 31, 2024, when they host the Kansas Jayhawks. The Mountaineers will play 18 conference games during the 2024-2025 season, including home-and-home series with each of the other nine Big 12 schools. The full 2024-2025 WVU basketball schedule will be released later this summer.
The Mountaineers are coming off a disappointing 2023-2024 season in which they finished 16-17 overall and 4-14 in the Big 12. However, WVU has a talented young roster that is expected to compete for an NCAA Tournament berth in 2024-2025. The Mountaineers are led by sophomore guard Erik Stevenson, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season. Other key players for WVU include junior forward Emmitt Matthews Jr., sophomore forward Jalen Bridges, and freshman guard Josiah Harris.
The 2024-2025 season will be the first for new WVU head coach Bob Huggins. Huggins is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, having won over 900 games in his career. He led the Cincinnati Bearcats to the Final Four in 1992 and 1993, and he won the national championship with the Kansas Jayhawks in 2008. Huggins is expected to bring a winning culture to WVU and help the Mountaineers return to national prominence.
1. Season Opener
The season opener is a crucial component of the WVU basketball schedule 2024-2025 as it sets the tone for the entire season. A strong start can give the team momentum and confidence, while a disappointing loss can put them on the back foot. The Mountaineers will be looking to start the season on a positive note and build on the momentum from last year’s NCAA Tournament appearance.
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies are a mid-major program that plays in the Horizon League. They are not a powerhouse team, but they are always well-coached and play hard. The Mountaineers will need to be focused and prepared if they want to avoid an upset in their season opener.
The game will be played at the WVU Coliseum, which is one of the toughest places to play in college basketball. The Mountaineers have a strong home court advantage, and they will be looking to use it to their advantage in the season opener. Overall, the season opener is an important game for the Mountaineers. A win would give them a boost of confidence and momentum heading into the rest of the season. A loss would be a disappointing start, but it would not be the end of the world. The Mountaineers have a talented team, and they should be able to bounce back from any setbacks.
2. Conference Matchups
The conference matchups are a crucial part of the WVU basketball schedule 2024-2025. The Big 12 is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, and WVU will need to play well in these games in order to be successful. The Mountaineers have a good mix of home and away games in conference play, and they will need to take advantage of their home court advantage. WVU has a strong tradition in basketball, and the fans are always excited for conference play. The atmosphere at the WVU Coliseum is electric, and it will be a tough place for opposing teams to play.
The conference matchups will also be important for WVU’s NCAA Tournament hopes. The Mountaineers will need to finish in the top four of the Big 12 in order to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. A strong performance in conference play will also help WVU improve its NCAA Tournament seeding.
Overall, the conference matchups are a very important part of the WVU basketball schedule 2024-2025. The Mountaineers will need to play well in these games in order to be successful. The fans are excited for conference play, and the atmosphere at the WVU Coliseum will be electric.
3. Key Players
The success of the WVU basketball team in the 2024-2025 season will depend heavily on the performance of its key players. One of the most important players on the team is sophomore guard Erik Stevenson, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season.
- Scoring: Stevenson is one of the team’s leading scorers, and he will need to continue to produce points in order for WVU to be successful. He is a good shooter from both inside and outside the paint, and he can also create his own shot.
- Playmaking: Stevenson is also a good playmaker, and he can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has good court vision and passing skills, and he can make plays for others even when he is not scoring himself.
- Defense: Stevenson is a good defender, and he can guard multiple positions. He is quick and athletic, and he can disrupt opposing offenses with his steals and blocks.
Overall, Stevenson is a key player for the WVU basketball team. He is a talented scorer, playmaker, and defender, and he will need to have a big season in order for the Mountaineers to be successful in 2024-2025.
4. New Coach
The hiring of Bob Huggins as the new head coach of the WVU basketball team is a significant development that will have a major impact on the program and the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
- Winning pedigree: Huggins is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, having won over 900 games in his career. He has led his teams to the NCAA Tournament 29 times, including four Final Four appearances. His winning pedigree will be a major asset to WVU, which has not won an NCAA Tournament game since 2010.
- Defensive prowess: Huggins is known for his defensive-minded coaching style. His teams typically play a tough, physical brand of basketball that makes it difficult for opponents to score. This will be a welcome change for WVU, which has struggled defensively in recent years.
- Player development: Huggins has a reputation for developing players. He has a knack for getting the most out of his players, both on and off the court. This will be important for WVU, which has a young and talented roster.
Overall, the hiring of Bob Huggins is a major positive for the WVU basketball program. He is a proven winner who will bring a wealth of experience and success to Morgantown. The 2024-2025 season will be an exciting one for WVU basketball fans, and Huggins will be at the helm leading the Mountaineers to new heights.
5. Home Court Advantage
The WVU Coliseum is one of the most iconic venues in college basketball. It has been the home of the Mountaineers since 1970, and it has hosted some of the most memorable games in program history. The Coliseum is known for its raucous atmosphere, and it is one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play.
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Crowd support
The WVU Coliseum has a capacity of over 14,000, and it is always packed for Mountaineer basketball games. The fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and they create an electric atmosphere that can be intimidating for opposing teams. -
Familiarity with the court
The Mountaineers have a significant advantage when they play at home because they are familiar with the court and the surroundings. They know where the best spots to shoot are, and they are comfortable with the lighting and the acoustics. -
Momentum
Playing at home can give the Mountaineers a psychological advantage. They know that they have the support of the crowd, and they can feed off of the energy of the fans. This can give them a boost of confidence and help them to play better. -
Scheduling
The Mountaineers have a favorable home schedule in 2024-2025. They will play 18 conference games at home, and they will have a chance to build a strong record in front of their own fans. This could give them a leg up in the Big 12 race and help them to earn a high NCAA Tournament seed.
The home court advantage is a valuable asset for the Mountaineers, and they will look to use it to their advantage in 2024-2025. They have a talented team, and they will be tough to beat at the WVU Coliseum.
6. NCAA Tournament Hopes
The NCAA Tournament is the most prestigious event in college basketball, and every team’s goal is to make it to the Big Dance. The WVU Mountaineers are hoping to return to the NCAA Tournament in 2024-2025 after missing out last season. In order to do so, they will need to have a successful regular season and finish in the top four of the Big 12 standings. The Mountaineers have a talented team, and they will be looking to make a statement in 2024-2025.
The WVU basketball schedule 2024-2025 will be crucial to the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes. The Mountaineers will play a challenging schedule, including games against several ranked opponents. They will need to perform well in these games in order to improve their NCAA Tournament resume. The Mountaineers will also need to take care of business against their weaker opponents. Every game is important, and the Mountaineers cannot afford to overlook any opponent.
The NCAA Tournament is a single-elimination tournament, which means that anything can happen. The Mountaineers will need to be playing their best basketball at the end of the season in order to make a deep run in the tournament. They have the talent and the experience to make a run to the Final Four, but they will need to put it all together on the court.
7. Rivalry Games
Rivalry games are an important part of the college basketball experience, and the WVU Mountaineers have several rivalry games on their schedule in 2024-2025. These games are always highly anticipated by fans, and they can have a major impact on the team’s season.
One of the most important rivalry games for WVU is the matchup against the Pittsburgh Panthers. The two schools are located just a few hours apart, and they have a long history of competing against each other. The games between WVU and Pittsburgh are always intense, and they are often decided by just a few points.
Another important rivalry game for WVU is the matchup against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The two schools are located in neighboring states, and they have been competing against each other for decades. The games between WVU and Virginia Tech are always competitive, and they are often decided by big plays late in the game.
Finally, WVU also has a rivalry game against the Kansas Jayhawks. The two schools have met many times in the NCAA Tournament, and they have always played close games. The games between WVU and Kansas are always exciting, and they are always a challenge for both teams.
Rivalry games are an important part of the WVU basketball schedule. They are always highly anticipated by fans, and they can have a major impact on the team’s season. The Mountaineers will need to be ready to play their best in these games if they want to be successful in 2024-2025.
FAQs about WVU Basketball Schedule 2024-2025
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the WVU Basketball Schedule 2024-2025, offering clear and concise information for fans and interested individuals.
Question 1: When does the WVU Basketball season begin in 2024?
The WVU Basketball season begins on November 7, 2024, with the Mountaineers hosting the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at the WVU Coliseum.
Question 2: How many conference games will WVU play during the 2024-2025 season?
WVU will play 18 conference games during the 2024-2025 season, including home-and-home series with each of the other nine Big 12 schools.
Question 3: Who are some of the key players for WVU in the 2024-2025 season?
Some of the key players for WVU in the 2024-2025 season include sophomore guard Erik Stevenson, junior forward Emmitt Matthews Jr., and freshman guard Josiah Harris.
Question 4: What are the expectations for WVU in the 2024-2025 season?
The expectations for WVU in the 2024-2025 season are high, as the Mountaineers return a talented roster and have a favorable schedule. WVU is expected to compete for an NCAA Tournament berth and make a run in the Big 12.
Question 5: Where can I find the complete WVU Basketball schedule for the 2024-2025 season?
The complete WVU Basketball schedule for the 2024-2025 season will be released later this summer.
Question 6: How can I purchase tickets for WVU Basketball games in the 2024-2025 season?
Tickets for WVU Basketball games in the 2024-2025 season can be purchased through the WVU Athletic Ticket Office.
In summary, the WVU Basketball Schedule 2024-2025 is highly anticipated, with the Mountaineers looking to build on their success and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for the release of the complete schedule later this summer.
For more information and updates, please visit the official WVU Athletics website.
Tips for following the WVU Basketball Schedule 2024-2025
With the release of the WVU Basketball Schedule 2024-2025, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. To enhance your experience and stay up-to-date, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Mark your calendars: Identify key dates, including the season opener, conference matchups, and potential rivalry games. Mark these dates on your calendar to avoid missing out on the excitement.
Utilize the official WVU Athletics website: The official website provides the most up-to-date schedule information, including game times, locations, and ticket sales. Bookmark the website for easy access.
Follow WVU Athletics on social media: Stay connected with the team and receive real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive promotions by following WVU Athletics on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Subscribe to the WVU Athletics newsletter: Sign up for the official newsletter to receive regular updates on the basketball team, including schedule changes, player profiles, and upcoming events.
Consider purchasing season tickets: If you’re a dedicated fan, consider purchasing season tickets to secure your spot at every home game and enjoy exclusive benefits like priority seating and discounts.
Plan your game day experience: Determine how you will get to the games, where you will park, and what food and drinks are available at the venue to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
By following these tips, you can stay informed and make the most of the WVU Basketball Schedule 2024-2025. The Mountaineers have a promising season ahead, and fans are encouraged to support the team and create a memorable experience.
Conclusion
The West Virginia University Mountaineers basketball team is poised for an exciting 2024-2025 season. With a talented roster, a new head coach, and a challenging schedule, the Mountaineers have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s progress throughout the season and support the Mountaineers as they strive for success both on and off the court.
The 2024-2025 season promises to be a memorable one for WVU basketball. The Mountaineers have a bright future, and the upcoming season is a step towards achieving their goals. With the support of their loyal fans, the Mountaineers can reach new heights and make a lasting impact in the world of college basketball.
