That Didn't Take Long

Well, Bobby Huggins is "officially" the 21st West Virginia basketball head coach. And, boy, is reaction split. People either love him...or hate him. And there's plenty of both. With a coach now named, everyone is turning to the players and recruits. Who's coming? Who's leaving?

Out of all the returning players, Jamie Smalligan probably suffers the most. He's not very athletic and I don't see how he will fit into the Huggins system. He can't transfer because he has already transferred once and he is a senior. He's stuck. Darris Nichols is good enough to play for Huggins. So, that's the seniors next year.

As for underclassmen, I just don't know. A guy like Bawinkle might be better off getting out of town. I just don't see where he's going to fit into the new system. Shoot, even current WVU assistants have said that the current players were signed for their ability to play together, not because of athletic skill. Bawinkle definitely fits that description.

Alexander, Smith, Butler -- and to a lesser degree -- Ruoff should be able to adapt to Huggins' style. Jonnie West will obviously be sticking around but I'm not sure where he fits in. That should be very, very interesting. The jury is still out on these other guys...I've heard Thoroughman should be able to play for Huggins. Just don't know enough yet...

As for incoming, as of today, John Flowers still plans to come to WVU unless he is instructed otherwise. He hasn't talked to Huggins yet though. According to a DC paper, if Huggins says he can't use him, then he would consider following Beilein to Michigan.

The biggest question out there is what happens with Michael Beasley. In an interview with CBSSportsline.com, he said he's unsure about going to Kansas State now. The question really is whether K-State will release him from his Letter of Intent or not. That will be an interesting saga. If he specifically asks to be released, I can't imagine telling him no...but, I guess that's their right if they want to.

Another big question sits in Huntington...well, two of them. First, Pat Patterson. He hasn't signed any letters and still hasn't made his decision. Huggins is a master recruiter and could pull off quite a move by grabbing Patterson. The other is O.J. Mayo. It's highly, highly unlikely that Mayo would shun USC and Los Angeles to come to Morgantown. But, remember, O.J. was going to go to Cincy until Huggins left. Huggins and Mayo have a close relationship...it will be interesting to see if Huggins even attempts to go after O.J. this late. And, once again, you have the LOI situation.

Regardless, the next few weeks will remain interesting as Huggins determines who stays and who leaves. And, even if you hate Bobby Huggins, you might at well get over it because he is the new coach of West Virginia. And he wins. You might not like how he wins...but he does win. This could be WVU's best chance for that long awaited national title...like it or not.