A timely addition
Brenen Lorient is set to rejoin the West Virginia University basketball program for the 2025‑26 campaign, filling the final roster spot that will shape the 2026‑27 team. The 6‑foot‑9 forward previously averaged 11.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while leading the Mountaineers with 45 blocks, giving the program a proven inside presence.
Coach Ross Hodge, who first met Lorient at North Texas, expects the forward to start at the power‑forward position alongside sophomore center Mouhamed Sylla. Their familiarity with Hodge’s system should smooth the transition and provide a reliable option in the frontcourt.
Depth and competition
The guard rotation will feature freshman Miles Sadler, senior Finley Bizjack and junior Joson Sanon, while the bench could see Javan Buchanan, a 6‑foot‑7 scorer who recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA over transfer‑portal rules. Buchanan’s potential impact adds another layer of competition for minutes.
Injuries have limited key contributors such as Amir Jenkins, but the addition of Martin Somerville and Seydou Traore deepens the squad. Their versatility should help the Mountaineers maintain intensity throughout the grueling Big 12 schedule.
With a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, WVU enters the season poised to compete more fiercely than in recent years. The coaching staff’s confidence in Lorient’s leadership role suggests the team may leverage his experience to navigate both on‑court challenges and the broader narrative surrounding NCAA transfer regulations.