‘Keep an Open Mind’: Toby Okani on WVU Basketball Expectations

West Virginia fifth-year senior wing Toby Okani was asked by the media on Thursday about the expectations for this team and what they expect.

“I feel that the expectation for this team is to keep an open mind of us, regardless of what the media says right now. We have a whole lot of basketball to play ahead of us and it’s October,” Okani said. “Just keep an open mind of us. Don’t be closed off just because of the past. We are here to win and we’re not here to win later. This team is built with a lot of seniors and fifth years with a mix of freshmen ready to win now.”

All over the country, fans and media don’t quite know what to make of this team under head coach Darian DeVries. WVU recorded a top 10 transfer class, according to recruiting databases, highlighted by Tucker DeVries and Javon Small. DeVries only returns Ofri Naveh from last year’s Mountaineer squad that went 9-23, the most losses in a single season for the program.

It seems like the fanbase will set expectations once they finally see the new team out on the floor together. The first two chances include an exhibition against James Long and the University of Charleston, then the season-opener vs. Robert Morris on Nov. 4.

West Virginia is entering year one under DeVries, where the team has 14 newcomers between scholarship and walk-on players. Okani is familiar with DeVries from his time at UIC where they shared the same conference with Drake.

“I was always a fan of how Drake played. They were a well-coached team and we’ve had our battles over the years. So for me during my process of choosing a school, when coach [DeVries] reached out to me, it was a no-brainer just because I had mutual respect for him and [Tucker]. It just made sense for me to come here and make something happen with them,” Okani said.

Click here to check out what DeVries, Tucker DeVries and assistant Nick Norton also had to say on Thursday.

Watch: WVU HC Darian DeVries and Others Talk Team Progression