Today, we conclude the first part of the series (another 5-part series is on the way, likely during our next off week) sponsored by Pico Dulce at Rumble in the Garden.  Tonight, WVU fans will get a chance to see the team live and in person for this first time tonight at Mountaineer Madness.  The festivities kick off at 7:30, so go check out the team and welcome the newcomers to the Mountaineer family.  Although we're right in the middle of an exciting football season, the basketball Mountaineers could really surprise some people this year, making for a fun winter in Morgantown as well.

The fifth question: Who is the future of the program?

Pico:

The last of the five Big East Basketball Roundtables focuses on the future of the program - the players on the roster or hopefully coming to the University who will carry the team into the future. Look for why Brian at VU Hoops hates this question, an essay by Hoya Prospectus on Georgetown, and why for a number of programs, the future isn't wrapped up in a player but in a coach.

My answer: Bob Huggins.

This year's freshman class is deep and talented, and the ability of those players to adjust to the college game will determine WVU's success over the next four years. But I'm going to take a pass on all of them and say Bob Huggins.

Luring Huggins to come home has been a boon for WVU, as no coach with his kind of resume' would consider a lifetime contract at WVU unless it was his alma mater. He brings a pride and toughness to the Mountaineers' style of play that resonates well with the fan base and his genuine love for the school and the state excite people about basketball at what is otherwise a football school.

Plus, he can recruit, which is not an easy thing to do in a conference with so many great programs and coaches. WVU basketball is all about Bob Huggins, and as long as he's there, the Mountaineers will hold their own.

I could have copped out and gone with Jabarie Hinds or one of the talented newcomers, but in reality, I don't think that would have been accurate.  Huggins could make the tournament starting Brock Burwell, Dan Nehlen, President Clements, WVUIE97 and a cardboard cutout of Marlon LeBlanc.  He's just that good of a coach, and it's really not going to matter who the players on the court are.  Agree or disagree?  Comment me!