Since returning to the starting lineup in the Big 12 Tournament, Esa Ahmad is averaging 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3 assists per contest (four games; Kansas State, Iowa State, Bucknell, Notre Dame). His averages on the season aren’t bad (11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists), but he’s elevated his play since returning and given the ‘Eers a much-needed boost. He’s shooting exactly 50 percent from the field (15-for-30) and has gone 11-for-13 from the free throw line in the tournament. He’s grabbed eight offensive rebounds during this span, too.
This version of Ahmad is exactly who Huggins recruited to West Virginia.