A New Era for West Virginia Women's Basketball
The upcoming season will see the Mountaineers' women's basketball squad transformed from a year ago, with just one starter and two players returning from the previous roster. The team has embraced a wave of transfers through the portal, reshaping the lineup and injecting fresh talent.
Early prognostications have already placed the Mountaineers inside the Top 25, reflecting optimism about the new blend of experience and potential. The coaching staff has outlined a depth chart that highlights how the new pieces will fit together.
A notable improvement is the added size in the post, a area that proved vulnerable during the postseason run. The larger frontcourt presence is expected to provide more stability under the basket and open up different offensive options.
Projected Roles and Lineup Dynamics
Gia Cooke and Kennedy Harris are slated to handle the point guard duties, while Alexis Bordas and Madison Parrish are expected to anchor the shooting guard position. Zahirah Walton and Marya Hudgins are projected to see time at small forward, leveraging their versatility.
Skylar Forbes and Khyala Ngodu are slated to inherit the power forward and center roles respectively, giving the team depth at the 4 and 5 spots. Hawa Doumbouya, standing 6‑foot‑7, will likely serve as a reserve backup, offering a rare combination of height and athleticism.
Divine Tshibuabua is expected to be the primary backup at power forward, though she may see limited minutes compared to her peers. The coaching staff has hinted at experimenting with a non‑traditional lineup that could feature three guards on the wing, a look that could maximize speed and spacing.
Nylah Wilson, a former five‑star recruit, adds another layer of depth to the backcourt and is expected to compete for significant minutes. All six of these newcomers will be part of an eight‑ to nine‑player rotation, ensuring a deep bench for the upcoming schedule.
Overall, the Mountaineers enter the season with a blend of fresh talent, experienced returnees, and a strategic vision that aims to capitalize on size, versatility, and depth. The early buzz suggests that the team could be a serious contender in its conference and beyond.