WVU’s Toby Okani Gives Intriguing Response to Question on Expectations

Oct 4, 2024 at 10:38 AM

Mountaineers Embrace Underdog Mentality as They Embark on a Challenging Season

The West Virginia men's basketball team faces a daunting task this winter, with an entirely new coaching staff and an almost entirely new roster. Ofri Naveh is the lone returning piece from last year's squad, leaving the Mountaineers in a state of flux. Despite the uncertainty, senior forward Toby Okani is determined to lead his team to victory, urging fans to keep an open mind and not be deterred by the team's past struggles.

Mountaineers Poised to Defy Expectations and Compete in the Stacked Big 12

Embracing the Underdog Mentality

The West Virginia men's basketball team is well aware of the challenges they face this season. With a new coaching staff and a roster that has undergone a significant overhaul, the Mountaineers are widely expected to struggle in the upcoming campaign. However, Toby Okani, a senior forward, is determined to prove the doubters wrong. He emphasizes the team's urgency to win now, rather than waiting for the future. Okani believes that the Mountaineers have the necessary talent and experience to compete at a high level, despite the perceived lack of expectations.Okani's message to the fans is clear: keep an open mind and don't be quick to write off this team. He acknowledges that the past may have been difficult, but he insists that the Mountaineers are here to win, not just to bide their time. With a roster filled with seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, Okani believes that West Virginia has the potential to surprise many and make a statement in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference.

Navigating the Daunting Big 12 Schedule

The Big 12 Conference is widely regarded as one of the toughest basketball leagues in the country, and the upcoming season promises to be even more challenging. With the addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, the conference has become even more formidable, making life all the more difficult for the Mountaineers.Okani is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but he remains undaunted. He emphasizes the team's focus on taking things one game at a time, refusing to look too far ahead or overlook any opponent. The Mountaineers' approach is to take each practice, each drill, and each play as it comes, without getting caught up in the daunting schedule or the expectations of others.This mentality is a reflection of the team's coaching staff, who have instilled a disciplined and focused mindset in the players. Okani praises the way the coaches have drilled the team, ensuring that they remain present and attentive in the moment, rather than getting ahead of themselves.

Embracing the Underdog Role

As the Mountaineers prepare for the upcoming season, they are embracing the underdog role with open arms. Okani and his teammates understand that they are not the favorites to succeed in the Big 12, but they are determined to prove the doubters wrong.This underdog mentality is fueling the team's drive and determination. They know that they will have to work harder and play smarter to overcome the challenges they face, but they are up for the task. Okani and his teammates are confident in their abilities and believe that they have the talent and experience to compete with the best teams in the conference.The Mountaineers are not deterred by the low expectations placed upon them. Instead, they are using it as motivation to prove their worth and show the world that they are a force to be reckoned with. With a renewed sense of urgency and a commitment to taking things one game at a time, the Mountaineers are poised to surprise many and make a statement in the Big 12 this season.