MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Much-hyped freshman Esa Ahmad keeps finding himself in West Virginia’s starting lineup, but his effectiveness and playing time are dwindling.
Held to four points or less in five straight games, the versatile 6-foot-8 forward hasn’t asserted himself offensively like coach Bob Huggins anticipated. Ahmad played a season-low 16 minutes in Thursday’s 86-68 win over Marshall, managing only one point and one rebound with two turnovers and no assists.
The Ohio player of the year and consensus top-100 recruit is averaging 5.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting only 38 percent from the floor and 53 percent from the free-throw line.