We all knew this was just a matter of time.
In April of 2007, Bob Huggins was announced the head coach of the West Virginia University men’s basketball team. From day one, Huggins talked about turning WVU into one of the nation’s premier college basketball programs and said he wanted to lead the team to a national championship.
Those aspirations aren’t realistic coming from most coaches, however, most coaches don’t have 617 career wins and rank fifth among active coaches, in wins.
Though Huggins fell short of his lofty goal in his first season coaching the Mountaineers, WVU did finish with a 26-11record and made it to the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. He is the only WVU head coach to take the Mountaineers to the Sweet 16 in his first year.
Huggins continued his trend of producing NBA ready players and molded Joe Alexander into a player worthy of being picked No. 8 overall, by Milwaukee, in the NBA Draft.
The program is moving into a new direction — one with more flair, attitude and intensity.
The team has new uniforms, with a more aggressive trim around the upper body, along with built players who can properly fill them out.  
Over the summer, the WVU Coliseum underwent significant changes of its own, getting a new basketball floor, video scoreboard, sound system and lights.
After seeing one game with the new setup, I can tell you this is what big-time college basketball is all about.
The pregame introduction is as good a one I’ve seen. Shutters blind the lights, the scoreboard cues a video of WVU basketball highlights, multi-colored spotlights zig-zag around the arena, Young Jeezy’s song, “Put On” blares from the speakers as cheerleaders and dancers move in rhythm,  the gold and blue carpet is rolled out, the Mountaineer mascot fires his musket and the players take to the floor with notable energy.
And yes, the crowd goes wild.
Call it a new-found swagger. Call it over-the-top. Heck, call it a
carnival atmosphere.
One thing that can’t be argued is Huggins is taking major steps to turn
WVU basketball into a national power.
Plans and budgeting are in motion for a new practice facility which will
be adjacent to the Coliseum. ESPN College GameDay will come to
Morgantown for the first time ever and broadcast at the Coliseum, March
7, when the Mountaineers square off with Louisville. As of Wednesday,
the game has already sold out.
Don’t think highly-sought after high school players who are recruited by
dozens of schools aren’t taking note.
Huggins’ 2008 recruiting class was regarded as one of the best in the
nation, by all scouting services. Dee Proby, along with Devin Ebanks,
Kevin Jones and Darryl Bryant, a trio of talented players from New York,
made up the standout class.
Last week, Huggins received national letters-of-intent from three
promising prospects, in the high school ranks. Deniz Kilicli, Dan
Jennings and Dalton Pepper are headed for Morgantown next year and will
be integral parts of Huggins’ revitalization of the program. All three
players were recruited by high-major teams.
Huggins-led squads are known for their athleticism, physical style of
play, relentless defense and will to win. It’s clear he has already put
his stamp on the program.
One of the key parts to Huggins’ success is getting his players to buy
into what he’s selling.
The team appears to be doing just that.
“We’re just going to pick it up together and try to win a national
championship,” said Bryant.