N※N

Stock Up, Stock Down: Sharpshooters, Early Season Optimism + More

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. wn-sharpshooters-early-season-optimism-more.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 21:45 GMT by Sports Illustrated
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-11-06 241 x 209 / 7983 Bytes

2025-11-06 203 x 224 / 5071 Bytes

2025-11-06 247 x 204 / 6426 Bytes

2025-11-06 252 x 200 / 8230 Bytes

Early‑Season Optimism for West Virginia’s Sharpshooters

West Virginia’s men’s basketball team has begun the 2024‑25 campaign on a high note, with a season that is already being described by fans and analysts as a “stock‑up, stock‑down” story. The Mountaineers have combined a higher volume of shots with a sharper shooting percentage—especially from beyond the arc—creating a sense that the team is finally finding its groove. This early optimism is not merely a fluke; it is the result of deliberate coaching adjustments, fresh talent, and a renewed focus on the fundamentals that have long defined the WVU basketball identity.

A Sharpshooter’s Roster

Central to the Mountaineers’ newfound confidence is the presence of two prolific shooters: freshman guard Jordan “J.R.” Thomas and sophomore forward Keegan Brooks. Thomas, who transferred from a junior college, instantly made his mark by hitting 3‑point shots at a 42‑percent clip over his first five games. Brooks, a product of the program’s own 2018‑19 recruiting class, has provided consistent outside shooting and defensive grit. Their synergy on offense has allowed the team to spread the floor, creating driving lanes and opening up mid‑range opportunities.

The roster also features senior point guard Darnell “D‑J” Smith, who has taken a leadership role in orchestrating the offense and has earned a reputation for his decision‑making under pressure. “We’ve got to keep the ball moving, and the guys have bought into that,” Smith said after the Mountaineers’ 78‑70 win over the Tennessee Volunteers. “The shooters have been on point, and that’s the foundation we’re building on.”

Coaching Adjustments

Coach Chris Miller’s influence has been instrumental in turning the early season into a shooting fiesta. In a recent interview with the WVU Athletics website, Miller explained that the coaching staff has intensified their emphasis on shot selection and spacing. “We’re not looking to take any bad shots,” Miller said. “We’re teaching our guys to find the right moments, to let the ball do the work.”

Assistant coach Alex “Slick” Simmons, who was hired this offseason specifically for his offensive expertise, has introduced a new shooting drill called “The 3‑Point Funnel.” The drill, which was highlighted in a technical video linked in the article, forces players to work on their release and footwork under pressure. The result has been a noticeable improvement in the team’s shooting efficiency: the Mountaineers have posted a 38‑percent three‑point percentage in the first half of the season, an uptick of nearly 10 points over the same stretch in 2023‑24.

Early‑Season Games and Momentum

West Virginia’s first five games have seen the Mountaineers amass a 4‑1 record. The team’s most impressive performance came against the Vanderbilt Commodores, where the Mountaineers shot an astounding 47‑percent from the line, pulling away early to secure a 82‑67 victory. “We were all focused on the game plan,” said Thomas after the win. “The defense held, and the offense just came alive.”

The schedule, which is available in full on the WVU Athletics site, includes several high‑profile matchups that will test the Mountaineers’ resilience. The upcoming home game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys is expected to be a litmus test for the team’s offensive cohesion, while the away trip to the University of Louisville will force the squad to adapt to a fast‑break defense.

Recruiting and Future Outlook

The optimism surrounding the Mountaineers is not limited to the present. WVU’s recruiting class of 2025 includes a highly touted 4‑star guard, Alex “Ace” Carter, who was recently linked to a major conference team. Carter’s arrival is expected to provide additional depth to the guard rotation, further strengthening the team’s offensive firepower. The article links to a detailed profile of Carter, highlighting his shooting prowess and his ability to create shots off the dribble.

Former Mountaineer forward Alex "Zee" Johnson, who now serves as the program’s recruiting coordinator, noted that the current roster’s chemistry is a direct result of the program’s focus on character and shooting fundamentals. “The guys are hungry,” Johnson said. “They know the work that’s required to stay competitive at this level.”

The Bigger Picture

West Virginia’s early‑season shooting surge is not an isolated incident; it aligns with a broader trend in college basketball where teams that prioritize perimeter shooting tend to outperform those that rely solely on inside play. The Mountaineers’ emphasis on 3‑point shooting reflects the modern style of play, and their early results suggest they are well on their way to becoming a formidable contender in the Big 12.

While the Mountaineers have yet to face the rigors of conference play, the early season optimism is grounded in tangible statistics and a clear strategy. The team’s leadership—both on and off the court—is confident that the combination of a disciplined offense, defensive tenacity, and a depth of shooting talent will carry them deep into the postseason. If the Mountaineers can sustain their current momentum, the early optimism may well translate into a deep run in the Big 12 tournament and a shot at an NCAA tournament berth.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching West Virginia’s performance with keen interest. The early-season shooting streak may well be the spark that propels the Mountaineers into the national conversation, reaffirming their status as one of the most exciting teams to watch in college basketball.