West Virginia University continues to reshape its backcourt for the upcoming season, securing a commitment from Butler University guard Finley Bizjack. The 6-foot-4 combo guard arrives in Morgantown as the program’s second transfer commit of the current offseason, providing Coach D.J. Durkin with a versatile scoring option capable of playing multiple positions in the perimeter rotation.
The addition of Bizjack is a strategic move intended to address specific voids in the Mountaineers’ offensive versatility. As the program navigates a transitional period under Durkin’s leadership, the priority has shifted toward acquiring experienced collegiate talent via the transfer portal to remain competitive in the rigorous Sizeable 12 Conference.
Bizjack’s arrival immediately complicates the WVU Hoops projected depth chart, offering a blend of size and playmaking that allows the coaching staff to experiment with different lineup combinations. By adding a “combo guard”—a player capable of handling point guard duties while possessing the scoring instincts of a shooting guard—WVU gains a layer of tactical flexibility that was missing in previous rotations.
Analyzing the Impact of Finley Bizjack
At 6-foot-4, Bizjack provides a physical presence on the perimeter that can disrupt opposing guards and create mismatches. During his tenure at Butler, he developed a reputation for his ability to stretch the floor and penetrate defenses, making him a dual-threat offensive weapon. His ability to facilitate the offense while remaining a threat to score allows the Mountaineers to move other players into specialized roles.
For D.J. Durkin, the focus is not merely on filling seats but on upgrading the efficiency of the backcourt. The transfer portal has become the primary engine for roster construction in modern college basketball and Bizjack represents the type of high-major experience that can accelerate a team’s chemistry and execution during the non-conference schedule.
The commitment of Bizjack follows a pattern of targeted recruitment. By securing a second transfer commit this offseason, the Mountaineers are signaling a desire to build a deeper bench that can withstand the attrition of a long season and the high-intensity defensive pressure characteristic of Big 12 play.
Projected Backcourt Depth Chart and Rotations
The integration of Bizjack creates a competitive environment for the starting guard spots. While the coaching staff has not yet finalized the starting five, the projected depth chart suggests a shift toward a more fluid rotation where players can slide between the one and two guards positions.
Bizjack’s versatility means he could potentially slide into a starting role if his chemistry with the primary ball-handlers is immediate, or serve as a high-impact sixth man who can provide an instant offensive spark. His presence reduces the burden on the returning guards to carry the entire scoring load, potentially opening up more opportunities for the Mountaineers’ forwards to operate in the paint.
| Position | Primary Option | Secondary/Depth Option | Role/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Guard | TBD / Returner | Finley Bizjack | Playmaking & Distribution |
| Shooting Guard | TBD / Returner | Finley Bizjack | Perimeter Scoring |
| Combo Guard | Finley Bizjack | Portal Addition | Versatility & Size |
What This Means for Roster Construction
The “combo guard” designation is critical for the WVU Hoops projected depth chart because it allows the team to run different offensive sets. Whether the Mountaineers opt for a traditional point guard system or a more modern, positionless approach, Bizjack fits both molds. This flexibility is essential for adapting to different opponents throughout the season.
Beyond the tactical advantages, the addition of a player from a program like Butler brings a culture of disciplined play and high basketball IQ to the locker room. The transfer portal is often a gamble, but targeting players from established mid-major and high-major programs reduces the risk of cultural misalignment.
The Broader Strategy Under D.J. Durkin
The current offseason strategy appears focused on “plug-and-play” talent. Rather than relying solely on freshman development, which can be volatile, the Mountaineers are leveraging the portal to find players who have already faced collegiate competition. Bizjack is the second piece of this puzzle, suggesting that the staff is not yet finished with their roster evaluations.
The timeline for these additions is tight, with the goal of having the full roster assembled and integrating systems before the official start of preseason practices. The focus now shifts to how Bizjack will mesh with the existing returners and the first transfer commit of the cycle.
Looking Ahead to the Season
While the commitment is a significant step, the true measure of Bizjack’s impact will be seen during the exhibition games and the early-season non-conference slate. The coaching staff will likely use these games to determine if he is a permanent fixture in the starting lineup or a strategic reserve.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the program will be the official announcement of the full roster and the release of the official season schedule by the WVU Athletics Department. These updates will provide a clearer picture of the final rotations and the specific roles each player will occupy.
We invite you to share your thoughts on these roster changes in the comments below and share this update with other Mountaineers fans.
