The West Virginia Mountaineers Women's Basketball team faces a pivotal 2025-26 season, marked by the departure of a program legend and the pursuit of continued success. Losing a player like JJ Quinerly, who not only became a WNBA draft pick but also played alongside UConn's Paige Bueckers, leaves a significant void. But, the Mountaineers, under Coach Mark Kellogg, are aiming to remain competitive in the Big 12. Let's dive into what fans can expect.
A Look Back: The 2024-25 Season
Before we look ahead, let's recap the previous season. In 2024-25, West Virginia finished with a record of 25-8, with a 13-5 record in the Big 12, securing a tie for fourth place. They reached the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Kellogg, in his two seasons, boasts a record of 50-16 and has led the team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament each year. He is just five wins away from reaching 500 career wins.
Big 12 History and Future
West Virginia joined the Big 12 in 2012. They won the Big 12 Tournament in 2017, defeating Baylor, and reached the finals twice more in 2014 and 2021. They also shared the regular season title in 2014. For the upcoming 2025-26 season schedule, you can find the complete Big 12 schedule online.
Roster Rundown: Who's In, Who's Out?
The team has seen some significant changes. Here's a breakdown:
- Departures: Several players have moved on, including Destiny Agubata (2.5 ppg), Danelle Arigbabu (1.1 ppg), JJ Quinerly (20.4 ppg), and others.
- Returning Players: Key players like Sydney Woodley (3.9 ppg), Sydney Shaw (11.4 ppg), and Jordan Harrison (13.7 ppg) are back to lead the team.
- Incoming Transfers: The Mountaineers have brought in a strong group of transfers, including Carter McCray (10.6 ppg at Wisconsin), Gia Cooke (12.2 ppg at Houston), and Kierra Wheeler (15.6 ppg at Norfolk State).
- Incoming Freshmen: Madison Parrish, a highly-rated recruit, joins the team.
Projected Starting Lineup
Here's a glimpse at the potential starting lineup:
- G Jordan Harrison: Known for running Coach Kellogg's offense.
- G Sydney Shaw: Added a boost to the offense after transferring from Auburn.
- G Gia Cooke: Expected to bring speed and defensive prowess.
- F Kierra Wheeler: A strong scorer who nearly averaged a double-double last season.
- F Jordan Thomas: The top returning interior scorer.
Key Bench Players
- F Carter McCray: Averages double digits from a power conference program.
- F Riley Makalusky: A solid scorer who can contribute in the paint.
Team Strategy and Competition
West Virginia's defensive strategy relies on speed and quickness, often starting at least three guards. The team's tallest player is 6'3", and they often utilize forwards in various positions. The coaching staff will likely experiment with different lineups early in the season.
Early Prediction
Replacing Quinerly will be tough, but the returning players and new transfers give the Mountaineers a good chance to succeed. The team is expected to compete for a top 4 seed in the Big 12 Tournament.
Now, what do you think? Do you agree with the prediction? Which newcomers are you most excited to watch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
