Newly Committed Omar Silverio Gives WVU Backcourt Veteran Presence Next Year

Manhattan transfer guard Omar Silverio announced on Thursday afternoon that he’s committing to West Virginia. Silverio has one year of eligibility and will suit up for the Mountaineers in the 2023-24 season.

Silverio, who last played at Hofstra two seasons ago, entered the transfer portal just before this season started due to Manhattan College firing head coach Steve Masiello. Silverio averaged 10.9 points and 3.3 rebounds while at Hofstra.

Out of high school, Silverio was recruited by Connecticut, Dayton, Delaware, Fordham, Iona, Mississippi State, Rhode Island, Rutgers, Saint Louis, Santa Clara, Towson, UMass, USF, VCU and others.

What can Silverio bring to West Virginia next season?

Silverio (6-foot-3) turns 25 this upcoming November. There are not many college basketball players that can say that. Silverio can create his own shot as a combo guard and can shoot the ball well from deep. The native of the Dominican Republic shot 37 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.

Silverio showed signs of taking games over, recording four 20-plus-point games at Hofstra. Silverio scored 40 points on 67 percent shooting against Elon back in February 2022. WVU needs to replace some scoring next season, so this is one way they can do it.

Since West Virginia will lose guards Erik Stevenson and Kedrian Johnson to their eligibilities running out, the coaching staff needed to fill in the role of a veteran presence. Silverio will rejoin his former teammate Jose Perez as the two look to make an impact together during their one season at WVU next year.