You are looking live at the surprisingly intimidating logo for the Monmouth Hawks. This opponent tonight isn’t to be taken so lightly, either. They look kind of young with two sophomores and a freshman starting with an eligible transfer, but they’ve got some seasoning.

Any maybe “some” isn’t the right words.

Monmouth has its top six scorers, 89 percent of the scoring and 82 percent of the minutes back from last season, and Bob Huggins said yesterday he believes this is the season fourth-year coach King Rice has been building toward.

Deon Jones, who averaged 15 points as a sophomore last season, and Andrew Nicholas, who averaged 14 points as a junior last season, are 6-foot-6 wings. Former Providence forward Bruce Kofane is eligible this season. Max Dileo made just about half his 3-pointers off the bench last season. They’re going to play 10 or so guys tonight because they can.

From top to bottom, it’s a pretty good test for the Mountaineers to start this season, and WVU has complications to deal with, too. BillyDee Williams caught an elbow in practice that fractured an orbital bone and will keep him out indefinitely. Brandon Watkins is sick and will miss the game as well.

I haven’t seen WVU do anything live yet this season, so if you’ll indulge me, most of my commentary will be first impression stuff we can look back at and laugh about later.

Find me in the post…