Jon Rothstein Elaborates on Why He Has WVU Basketball as ‘Big 12 Sleeper’

WVU basketball received high praise from CBS college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein, as he called the Mountaineers a “Big 12 sleeper,” and projects a “really big year” from the team.

Specially, Rothstein pointed out the perimeter play because five-star freshman guard Miles Sadler will have junior guard Joson Sanon and senior guard Finley Bizjack to share the ball with.

“I love what this program has done from a perimeter perspective. Miles Sadler will be one of the better and more productive freshmen in the country. Joson Sanon on a wing, Finley Bizjak on a wing,” Rothstein said. “Those are two transfers from the Big East who have logged meaningful minutes and can score the ball.”

He also praised the signing of sophomore center Mouhamad Sylla, who Rothstein believes will be a solid Big 12 center.

“Sylla is a player from Georgia Tech… who again was highly thought of out of high school.
He’ll be, in my opinion, one of the better post players in the Big 12,” Rothstein added.

Rothstein finished analysis of WVU with a stamp of approval on the roster head coach Ross Hodge constructed in his second offseason at the helm.

“There is enough right now in year two on the roster in West Virginia for a sizable jump for West Virginia under Ross Hodge,” Rothstein said.

Earlier this offseason, 247 Sports ranked WVU No. 10 in its overall recruiting class rankings.

The rankings include all committed players, both transfers and freshman. WVU is also ranked No. 16 among transfer classes and No. 13 in high school recruiting.

In Hodge’s first year, West Virginia finished the season at 18-14 with a 9-10 Big 12 record, including 0-1 in the conference tournament. The Mountaineers finished with three straight wins, culminating in a College Basketball Crown Championship.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.