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The West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with 31 appearances and several memorable runs. After a disappointing 2022 season, the team is looking to rebuild and return to glory in 2023. They started the 2023 season with a young and inexperienced squad, but the addition of key players like Tre Mitchell and Emmitt Matthews Jr. has improved their chances. The Mountaineers faced the Maryland Terrapins in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, losing 67-65. While their odds of advancing to the Sweet 16 or Elite 8 may be slim, the Mountaineers are a team to watch, with the potential to cause upsets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | West Virginia Mountaineers |
| University | West Virginia University |
| Division | NCAA Division I |
| Conference | Big 12 |
| Tournament Championships | 13 |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 31 |
| NIT Tournament Appearances | 16 |
| Home Venue | WVU Coliseum |
| Home Venue Capacity | N/A |
| 2025 March Madness Qualification | Did not qualify |
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What You'll Learn
The West Virginia Mountaineers' 2023 NCAA Tournament performance
The West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Division I college basketball landscape. In 2023, the team had a shot at glory in the NCAA Tournament, but their journey ended in the Round of 64.
The Mountaineers entered the 2023 NCAA Tournament with high hopes, aiming to add to their impressive record of 31 appearances in the tournament, including two Final Fours, most recently in 2010. The team's regular-season performance had been solid, with a record of 20-11 overall and 11-7 in the Big East, securing them a spot in the tournament.
In the Round of 64, the Mountaineers faced a familiar foe in the Maryland Terrapins. The two teams had a history, with Maryland winning in 2015 and the Mountaineers seeking revenge. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, history repeated itself, and they fell to Maryland by a score of 67-65 in a closely contested match.
Despite the early exit, the Mountaineers' season had several highlights. They posted impressive wins over ranked opponents, including then-No. 2 Iowa State and then-No. 3 Gonzaga. The team's resilience was also on display as they bounced back from losses with winning streaks, showcasing their determination and talent.
While the 2023 NCAA Tournament performance may not have met the team's expectations, the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team continues to be a force to be reckoned with in college basketball, always striving to improve and make their mark on the sport.
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The team's history in the NCAA Tournament
The West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with 31 appearances, including two Final Fours, most recently in 2010. The team first entered the tournament in 1955, 16 years after its inception, and has since established itself as a formidable competitor.
One of the most memorable seasons for the Mountaineers was the 2009-2010 season, where they advanced to the Final Four. Led by Da'Sean Butler, the team showcased their talent and determination, making it to the latter stages of the tournament. In the 2011 NCAA tournament, the Mountaineers earned a 5th seed in the East region and defeated the Clemson Tigers in the second round, 84-76, advancing to the Round of 32. They faced the Kentucky Wildcats in a rematch of the previous season's Elite Eight matchup but lost despite holding a halftime lead, finishing the season with a record of 21-12.
The Mountaineers have also experienced success in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), winning the championship twice, in 1942 and 2007. The team considers the 1942 NIT title a National Championship, as the NIT was more prestigious than the NCAA at the time. West Virginia has competed in three basketball championship finals: the 1959 NCAA tournament final, the 1942 NIT final, and the 2007 NIT championship.
The Mountaineers have a long history of producing talented players who have left their mark on the NCAA Tournament. "Hot Rod" Hundley, Jerry West, and Rod Thorn are notable figures from the team's Golden Age of basketball in the 1950s and early 1960s. Jerry West, in particular, was a dominant force in the tournament, averaging 30.1 points per game over nine tournament games.
Despite their impressive history and a strong 2025 season, the Mountaineers did not make the March Madness tournament that year, expressing disappointment and shock at the decision.
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The players on the 2022-23 team
The 2022-23 West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team faced an uphill battle following a disappointing 2021-22 season, where they finished with a 16-17 record, ranking outside the top 65. The team underwent a significant overhaul, with only one player, Kedrian Johnson, returning for substantial minutes from the previous season. Johnson averaged 20.5 minutes per game.
The Mountaineers bolstered their roster with several key additions through the transfer portal and welcomed back Emmitt Matthews Jr., who rejoined the team after a stint at Washington. They also added multiple JUCO players, who excelled at the junior college level, and brought in a pair of freshmen with the potential to contribute early in their careers. One notable addition was Tre Mitchell, who committed to West Virginia after impressive stints at UMass and Texas. Mitchell's ability to put up points and grab rebounds made him an immediate impact player.
The 2022-23 season saw the Mountaineers finish with a 19-15 record, placing 8th in the Big 12 with a 7-11 conference record. They entered the NCAA Tournament as a #9 seed in the South Region but fell in the first round to #8 seed Maryland by a score of 67-65.
While the Mountaineers fell short of their goals, the season laid a foundation for future success. With a mix of returning players and talented newcomers, the team aimed to improve and make a deeper run in the following season.
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The team's performance in the 2022-23 season
The West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team had a disappointing 2021-22 season, finishing with a 16-17 record and ranking outside the top 65 on KemPom. The team underwent a significant overhaul in the 2022-23 season, with only one player, Kedrian Johnson, returning who played more than 10 minutes per game in the previous season. Johnson averaged 20.5 minutes per game.
The Mountaineers added several new players through the transfer portal, including the return of Emmitt Matthews Jr. from Washington. They also welcomed multiple JUCO players who excelled in junior college and a pair of freshmen. One notable addition was Tre Mitchell, who joined the team after the season began. Mitchell had previously averaged over 18 points and 7 rebounds per game during two seasons at UMass and was expected to be an immediate impact player for West Virginia.
Despite the influx of new talent, it was predicted that the team's inexperience would make it challenging to qualify for March Madness in 2023. Their odds of winning the NCAA Championship were +20000. However, it was acknowledged that the team had the potential to cause some upsets and that Mitchell, in particular, could accelerate their rebuilding process.
In the 2022-23 season, the Mountaineers met Maryland in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 64, losing 67-65. This was the third time these teams had met in the tournament, with West Virginia winning in 2015 and Maryland winning in 2016.
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The team's head coach, Bob Huggins
The West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Division I college basketball competition, with 31 appearances in the NCAA tournament, including two Final Fours. However, they experienced a setback in 2025, missing out on the March Madness tournament, despite a promising start to their season.
In addition to his coaching duties, Huggins has shared his expertise with a broader audience by joining the March Madness TV coverage as a guest analyst. In 2022 and 2023, he partnered with Turner Sports and CBS Sports to provide insights and analysis during the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. Huggins brought his extensive knowledge and experience to the studio team, enhancing the viewing experience for basketball enthusiasts.
Huggins' coaching philosophy and strategies have earned him widespread recognition and respect in the basketball community. His ability to develop talented players and lead them to success on the court has left a lasting impact on the sport. Huggins' contributions go beyond the boundaries of the court, as he has also played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of the players he has mentored over the years.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 March Madness tournament, Coach Huggins remains a pivotal figure in the WVU men's basketball program. His leadership, experience, and dedication to the sport continue to inspire the team to strive for excellence. With Huggins at the helm, the Mountaineers are sure to bounce back stronger and continue their pursuit of basketball glory.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the team did not make it to the 2025 March Madness tournament.
In 2023, the WVU Men's Basketball team made it to the Round of 64, where they lost to Maryland 67-65.
The WVU Men's Basketball team has made it to the NCAA tournament 31 times, including two Final Fours, most recently in 2010.
