WVU set for midweek showdown with Penn State and the Mountaineers lose a receiver to the transfer portal
Alek Manoah to make another rehab start and Beanie Bishop draws interest from a nearby NFL team
Good morning! This is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup.
Welcome to The Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup (that we didn’t already talk about in another article) with some sophomoric humor and daily distractions thrown in for good measure. And if there’s something we missed, be sure to talk about it in the comments.
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WVU Tied for Eighth Place After Day One | West Virginia University Athletics
The West Virginia University golf team is tied for eighth place after 36 holes of competition at the Big 12 Golf Championship at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas. The third round began this morning with golfers playing 18 holes. The fourth and final round will take place on Wednesday morning.
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FOOTBALL
With surplus of experience, added strength, Cutter hopeful for continued growth | WV MetroNews
Ben Cutter’s first college football snap came before a crowd of 110,000-plus at nationally-ranked Penn State to begin the 2023 season. Yet it wasn’t until the following week, with West Virginia well on its way to a lopsided win over Duquesne, that Cutter had his welcoming moment to college football.
Sleeker Ja’Quay Hubbard Has Exchanged Fried Chicken for Football | West Virginia University Athletics
West Virginia's Ja'Quay Hubbard said he has really focused on his body this year, which really isn't any different than when he was a freshman in high school. You see, Hubbard once weighed more than 400 pounds and sported a 50-inch waist when he went to the homecoming dance back then.
West Virginia's 3 amigos ready for breakout 2nd years | Blue Gold News
Times change. Relationships don't. This is especially true for those relationships you make during those life-shaping times that are known as the college years.
BASKETBALL
Sencire Harris Signs with WVU | West Virginia University Athletics
Darian DeVries has announced the signing of Sencire Harris to a grant-in-aid for the 2024-25 academic year. Harris, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound guard, sat out last season at Illinois. The native of Canton, Ohio, will be a redshirt sophomore at WVU and have three years of eligibility remaining.
Amani Hansberry Signs with WVU | West Virginia University Athletics
DeVries also announced the signing of Amani Hansberry to a grant-in-aid for the 2024-25 academic year. Hansberry, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward, played his freshman season at Illinois. The native of Silver Spring Maryland, will be a sophomore at WVU and have three years of eligibility remaining
Taking a look at the first two high school offerees of the Darian DeVries era | EerSports.com
Coach DeVries has hit the ground running in recruiting, and has already picked up commitments from three transfers in Tucker DeVries, Amani Hansberry and Sencire Harris. He also signed point guard KJ Tenner out of high school in the class of 2024. But that's not all that's been going on behind the scenes, as DeVries has also extended offers to two other high school prospects since taking over the Mountaineers. Let's take a look at who DeVries is targeting from the high school ranks to start his stint in Morgantown.
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NEWS
Beanie Bishop Draft Networking Interview: 'I Can Make An Instant Impact' | The Draft Network
West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop led the nation in pass breakups (20) and passes defensed (24) this past season.Bishop then attended The Big 12 Pro Day where he ran a 4.39 40. Interest in Bishop’s services in the 2024 NFL Draft has significantly increased since then.
NFL draft: Commanders host WVU CB Beanie Bishop on top 30 visit | USA Today
The Washington Commanders spent a considerable portion of the pre-draft process evaluating offensive tackles and cornerbacks. Washington used several of its top 30 visits on the two positions, recently hosting West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop.
Toronto Blue Jays Make Critical Decision on Embattled Starting Pitcher | Sports Illustrated
After showing improvement in his latest rehab start, Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Alek Manoah will make another rehab start at Triple-A Buffalo this week. He's trying to work his way back after a disastrous 2023 season and an injury-filled spring training.
Frazier: 'I just knew that I had to get off the field' | Gold and Blue Nation
Mountaineer center Zach Frazier’s life will change later this week. Surrounded by family and friends, Frazier will receive a phone call from one of the 32 National Football League franchises who will tell the Fairmont, West Virginia, native they are selecting him in this year’s draft. Celebrations will commence shortly thereafter, and then the All-American will get to work on the next chapter of his football career.
NFL mock draft 2024: Updated picks for every team to start DRAFT WEEK | SBNation
It’s DRAFT WEEK. Here’s SBNation’s latest mock draft, leading off with the Chicago Bears at No. 1. (Zach Frazier mocked at 33 to the Carolina Panthers)
2024 NFL Mock Draft: PFF analysts pick for all seven rounds | Pro Football Focus
Thirty-two PFF analysts came together for a full seven-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft, starting with Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears. (Frazier mocked at 33 here as well)
Jalen Bridges Declares for NBA Draft, Thanks Huggins | WV Sports Now
Former WVU and Baylor forward Jalen Bridges is declaring for the NBA draft, he announced on Monday afternoon. Bridges thanked West Virginia’s former staff, including Bob Huggins.
THE REPORT
- Deuce McBride played 21 minutes off the bench for the Knicks in their 104-101 win over Philadelphia, finishing with 9 points, 2 assists. New York holds a 2-0 lead over the 76ers, with Game 3 set to be played on Thursday.
- Sean McNeil scored 11 points for Nevezis in their 92-79 win over Neptunas in Lithuania’s betsafe LKL league on Monday.
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NCAA ratifies immediate eligibility for athletes who transfer | ESPN
NCAA athletes are now eligible to play immediately no matter how many times they transfer -- as long as they meet academic requirements -- after the association fast-tracked legislation to fall in line with a recent court order.
Judge orders Florida State, ACC to mediation to settle suit | ESPN
A Tallahassee judge has ordered Florida State and the Atlantic Coast Conference to enter mediation in hopes of settling a high-profile lawsuit that could dramatically impact the future of the league.
Can Joel Embiid Still Save the Sixers’ Season? | The Ringer
Philadelphia was 27 seconds away from squaring its series with New York; now it faces a dreaded 0-2 hole. But Game 2 provided at least one reason to believe that a comeback remains possible.
Jamal Murray ripped Lakers’ hearts out with buzzer-beater capping all-time NBA Playoffs collapse | SBNation
The Lakers collapsed, and Jamal Murray buried them.
Broncos’ new uniforms are absolutely terrible, caused social media dunk contest | SBNation
The Denver Broncos’ new uniforms are so bad it’s the one thing everyone can agree on.
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The West Virginia Mountaineers have held the Black Diamond Trophy for 948 days. #HailWV
— The Black Diamond Trophy (@blkdmndtrophy) April 23, 2024
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Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact us on social media.
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No. 22 WVU baseball gets swept in Lubbock and Playoff Deuce has arrived
New Episode: Three Weeks In feat. Ethan Bock
No. 22 WVU looks for another sweep and Kadeisha Buchanan scores first Super League goal
Two more Mountaineers enter the portal and Rodney Gallagher squeezes in snaps as a defensive back
WVU baseball downs Pitt and a former pitcher is credited for avoiding nuclear war
WVU baseball cracks Top 25 ahead of the Backyard Brawl and Pitt football players are leaving for hilarious reasons
West Virginia sweeps No. 17 UCF and Darian DeVries begins assembling his staff
WVU pitcher Derek Clark earns double Big 12 weekly honors and the Mountaineer women finish in the AP Top 25
Josiah Harris enters the transfer portal, leaves a message for Mountaineer fans
Marcus Simms scores his first UFL touchdown and West Virginia clears out the energy vampires
JJ Wetherholt returns, Mountaineers sweep Kansas to move to the top of the Big 12
Closing the book on the 2023-24 season
Neal Brown picks up a pair of commitments, Darian DeVries adds his first high school recruit, and WVU baseball travels to Kansas
Jerry West named to Basketball Hall of Fame again, DeVries makes first assistant hire, and Gordon Gee wants a Super League
Good morning! This is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup.
Welcome to The Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup (that we didn’t already talk about in another article) with some sophomoric humor and daily distractions thrown in for good measure. And if there’s something we missed, be sure to talk about it in the comments.
FOOTBALL
Sean Martin honors former teammate, Town of Bluefield with new uniform number | WV MetroNews
Entering his fifth and final season in a Mountaineer uniform, WVU senior defensive lineman Sean Martin will have a new look as he takes the field.
Feeling Comfortable Could Unlock Even More from Anthony Wilson in 2024 | WV Sports Now
Upon arriving in Morgantown last summer, Anthony Wilson made it known he wants to follow in the footsteps of former Mountaineer Karl Joseph. While those are big shoes to fill, Wilson is coming off a productive 2023 season and feels even more comfortable at WVU as he starts year two.
3 Guys Before The Game - Ja'Quay Hubbard Visits (Episode 544) | WV MetroNews
WVU offensive lineman Ja'Quay Hubbard visits Brad Howe and Tony Caridi to discuss West Virginia football and much more on the latest episode of 3 Guys Before The Game
BASKETBALL
Variety Of Factors Helped Bring DeVries To Morgantown | West Virginia University Athletics
Rabid fan support and great tradition were some of the determining factors in Darian DeVries choosing to take the West Virginia men's basketball job.
Nick Norton Named Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach | West Virginia University Athletics
West Virginia University men's basketball coach Darian DeVries has named Nick Norton as assistant coach/director of player development for the Mountaineers. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Norton spent the last three seasons on DeVries' staff at Drake, helping the Bulldogs to an 80-26 (.755) record with two NCAA Tournament appearances and two Missouri Valley Conference titles.
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WVU working on official visit date with top target Haley | EerSports
Earlier this week, Nashville (TN) Ensworth linebacker Sam Haley named a top eight schools of North Carolina, South Carolina, TCU, Tennessee, Michigan State, Missouri, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia. The Mountaineers, for their part, have also made it clear to Haley that he is among their top targets at the position.
WVU makes top group for yet another 4-star running back | EerSports
WVU is making moves on some top recruits. Marquise Davis, a 6-foot, 190 pound running back from Cleveland (OH) Cleveland Heights, announced his top 10 schools on Wednesday afternoon via X, and the Mountaineers made the cut.
NEWS
Report: Lakers Legend Jerry West Elected to Basketball HOF for Record 3rd Time | Bleacher Report
Jerry West was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1979. Then he made it a second time in 2010 in recognition of the 1960 United States men's basketball team, which won gold at the Summer Olympics in Rome. Now West has been elected a record third time into the Hall, this time in honor of his work as the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies' general manager and also his stints as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.
Baltimore Orioles Starter Rocked In First Injury Rehab Start | Inside the Orioles (Sports Illustrated)
Baltimore Orioles starter John Means made his first injury rehab start on Sunday and he was only able to pitch one inning against the Durham Bulls.
THE REPORT
- Lamont West scored 11 points and recorded 6 rebounds in SPD Radnicki’s 86-80 win over Metalac in Serbia’s KLS (The Basketball League of Serbia) yesterday. West is averaging 9 points and 4 rebounds per game through 16 games in the league.
- Victor Scott II scored 1 run in 3 plate appearances in St. Louis’ 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday
- Alek Manoah will begin a rehab assignment with the Blue Jays’ Single-A affiliate Dunedin in the Florida State League on Sunday. Manoah pitched 3 innings in a simulated game without any issues on Tuesday, and is expected to pitch up to 4 innings in his first rehab appearance.
Inside the college football ‘Super League,’ one powerful group’s idea to fix a ‘dead’ system | The Athletic — ($$ PAYWALLED ARTICLE)
One league overseeing college football’s highest level. No more conferences as we’ve known them. Playoff berths being decided solely on the field. Promotion and relegation for smaller schools. Players being paid directly. NIL and the transfer portal, managed. A group of influential leaders — including West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee — wants to make all this happen soon — and they are pitching it as the best way forward for a sport they believe needs saving.
Stefon Diggs traded to Texans in NFL blockbuster | SBNation
The Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans pulled off a stunning trade ahead of the NFL Draft with Stefon Diggs now joining C.J. Stroud in the AFC South. It’s a move that ends an era in Buffalo, while also transforming the Texans in a serious contender in 2024, after being on the precipice of greatness a year ago.
Angel Reese WNBA Draft projections and scouting report for LSU star | SBNation
Angel Reese was already one of the best players in women’s college basketball when she suddenly became one of the most famous women in sports in the world. The LSU big’s back-and-forth with Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark in the 2023 national championship game fueled discourse for weeks and made Reese an overnight celebrity. Now Reese is jumping to the WNBA.
Everyone Hated the ‘Seinfeld’ Finale. Larry David’s Still Defending It. | The Ringer
As the series finale of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ approaches, everything, it seems, has been building toward one of David’s most strongly held beliefs: that, actually, the ‘Seinfeld’ finale was pretty, pretty good
Seth Rollins Is Pro Wrestling’s Sure Thing | The Ringer
It doesn’t matter whether he’s rocking the tactical gear of the Shield or the vibrant pieces selected by stylist King Troi; Seth Rollins remains WWE’s constant
The West Virginia Mountaineers have held the Black Diamond Trophy for 929 days. #HailWV
— The Black Diamond Trophy (@blkdmndtrophy) April 4, 2024
Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact us on social media.
Follow us!
Twitter: @smokingmusket
Facebook:The Smoking Musket
Kerr Kriisa enters the transfer portal, Jesse Edwards is an all-star, and Victor Scott’s living his MLB dreams
DeVries signs his first recruit and the Pittsburgh Steelers named the “perfect fit” for Zach Frazier
Jaden Bray’s potential impact, Beanie Bishop’s blazing 40-yard dash, and WVU baseball avoids the sweep
