Juwan Staten just made Mountaineer Nation very happy...Staten plans on returning for his senior year.
Staten's announcement does wonders for the future of Mountaineer basketball.
First, it allows the coaching staff to focus on replacing just one guard - Eron Harris. As reported by WVSports.com (Rivals), the staff has been busy at this task, offering a scholarship to Independence (KS) Community College guard Tarik Phillip on Friday night. Phillip plans on visiting Morgantown soon.
Second, it motivates the entire team to work that much harder in the offseason. 20+ wins and an NCAA tournament berth are definitely within this team's grasp.
Third, the announcement immediately places Staten and the Mountaineer program in the Big 12 Conference player of the year discussion. Heightened media attention should help the coaching staff in its recruiting efforts.
Fourth, it allows Staten one more opportunity to get to the Big Dance. You can't be as good as Staten is and not make the NCAA tournament. Watching his buds at Dayton come within a game of reaching the Final Four must have influenced his decision.
Fifth, it allows Staten to work on improving his long range shooting, free throw percentage and defense in order to become more enticing to the NBA. If Staten improves in these areas, he could easily be seen as a Chris Paul type player and could become a potential first round draft choice.
Juwan, if you are reading this, Mountaineer faithful everywhere thank you for staying.
We look forward to watching you and your team do great things.
As Always,
Let's Go, Mountaineers!