What’s next for WVU basketball and its fans

Throughout the Bob Huggins saga that led to his resignation, I’ve mostly watched, absorbed, contemplated, sat back.

Throughout the years, I got to know Huggins. We laughed, we fought (he once got mad because on Twitter I questioned one of his on-court personnel groupings), we confided… hell, one time we sang at a party near The Greenbrier.

So, when he was arrested in Pittsburgh, I felt a pit in my stomach. I wouldn’t wish this scenario on anyone. Not after a Hall of Fame career of which he was so proud. Nor, of course, would I wish the scenario on my alma mater, WVU, or the players, school administration and fans, many of whom are my friends. It still hurts my heart.

We’re at a critical point in Mountaineer sports history.

And while many have been yelling, screaming, criticizing and over-analyzing, one gentleman quietly stepped up behind the scenes to try and do something.

In the midst of the turmoil, he contacted Stephen Ford of Country Roads Trust, WVU’s Name, Image and Likeness collective, and contributed a six-figure amount of money to help the men’s basketball program.

Let’s call him Stan because Country Roads Trust does not release the names and contributions of those trying to help. Stan didn’t lash out on social media. He didn’t make calls to the WVU president’s office. He helped in a tangible way.

And that’s what I believe Mountaineer fans can do. Now is not the time to fracture. It’s not the time to argue and tear at each other. It’s a time to come together.

And keep Country Roads Trust strong.

Yes, my company works with Ford and his staff. But look around and see what others have to say.

This is what ESPN reporter Pete Thamel said in a recent story:

 “West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker’s best ally in the (coaching) search will be the same NIL financial opportunities from the Country Roads Trust that allowed the Mountaineers to lure such a robust transfer class, as coaches increasingly are prioritizing schools with the NIL infrastructure to consistently assemble high-end rosters.”

This from Pete Nakos, College Sports Business Reporter at On3NIL for On3sports:

“Country Roads Trust made a convincing pitch to its top donors before the portal opened. It obviously worked and will be only helpful in the coaching search.”

Heck, Tar Heel Times, which covers the University of North Carolina, had this:

“How good is the West Virginia basketball coaching job? The perception has improved over the past few months, thanks to West Virginia’s NIL infrastructure. The Country Roads Trust has deep pockets, and the Mountaineers’ elite incoming transfer class is evidence of how effective it can be. The program also has one of the best fan bases in the sport.”

Re-read the last two sentences. An effective NIL. A great fan base. They really need to come together – especially now.

Perhaps Pat Forde, Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated summed it up the best:

“Keeping the NIL war chest that had been accrued will be important for the next coach.”

I’ve noticed on Twitter some WVU fans understand. Kayla Saunders, for instance, wrote:

“This roster has been the highest hope of the Mountaineer Nation in a very long time. I’m putting money in to try to help keep them together.”

Of course, whether or not that works is yet to be seen. As of Wednesday morning we don’t know how the coaching search or any of this will shake out.

But I do know this: Stan and Kayla, among others, are trying.

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Mitch Vingle covered sports in West Virginia for 38 years. Follow Mitch on Twitter at @MitchVingle and be sure to check out the rest of Wheelhouse Creative’s website for your marketing and advertising needs. If interested, call us at 304-905-6005.