West Virginia
Former four-star Georgia Tech freshman center commits to Big 12 program
Mouhamed Sylla is officially on the move. After entering the transfer portal earlier this offseason, the former Georgia Tech center has committed to the West Virginia Mountaineers, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. It gives the program a major boost in the frontcourt.
Sylla arrived with the Yellow Jackets as a highly regarded four-star prospect in the Class of 2025, and he wasted little time making an impact during his freshman campaign. In 16 games, the Senegal native averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest, emerging as one of the team’s most productive players despite limited availability.
He scored in double figures in 10 of those 16 appearances and finished the season as Georgia Tech’s fifth-leading scorer, second-leading rebounder and top shot blocker. However, his momentum was cut short by an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final 12 games of the year.
Even so, Sylla’s production and upside made him one of the more intriguing big men in the portal. His departure came amid significant changes in Atlanta.
Georgia Tech parted ways with head coach Damon Stoudamire after three seasons, following a 42-55 overall record and no NCAA Tournament appearances. In response, the program turned to Scott Cross, who arrived after a successful run at Troy that included multiple NCAA Tournament berths: “We will build a culture defined by discipline, toughness and accountability,” Cross said upon taking the job.
Alas, Sylla won’t be part of that rebuild. Instead, he heads to West Virginia, where his physical tools and defensive presence should translate immediately.
At 6-foot-10, Sylla brings length, rebounding ability and rim protection, all traits that are highly valued in the modern college game. His motor and ability to impact the game on both ends make him a potential difference-maker in the paint.
For West Virginia, landing Sylla is a significant addition as the program continues to reshape its roster through the portal. His ability to anchor the interior defensively while contributing offensively as a finisher around the rim gives the Mountaineers a versatile option in the frontcourt.
There’s also clear room for growth. With more experience and a full, healthy season, Sylla has the potential to evolve into one of the more productive big men in his new conference.
In today’s transfer portal era, roster movement is constant, but impact additions still stand out. For West Virginia, this is one of them. And for Sylla, it’s a fresh opportunity to build on a promising start and take his game to the next level.
— On3’s Daniel Hager contributed to this article.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Supreme Court Chief Justice Haley Bunn appeared before U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver many times during her career as an assistant U.S. Attorney.
“I’ll remember the warm regard for how much care he took for practitioners, litigants, juries, he was so amazing with a jury, and just fond memories of the wonderful times I had in his courtroom,” Bunn said.
Copenhaver was remembered in a funeral service Wednesday morning in Charleston. He died last week at the age of 100.
Copenhaver was known for his detailed decisions. Bunn said during a recent appearance on MetroNews “Talkline” that thoroughness was a comfort to a prosecutor.
“His overturn rate was about two percent which is unprecedented over his decades on the bench,” Bunn said. “He covered every base. He made sure that every nook and cranny was addressed. It made you feel almost safe in front of him as a practitioner, you knew it was going to be right whatever the outcome.”
Copenhaver swore-in Bunn to her 12-year term on the Supreme Court on Dec. 30, 2024.
Copenhaver was appointed as a bankruptcy referee in 1958. President Gerald Ford nominated him to the federal bench in late August 1976, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate five days later. His time on the bench was just short of 50 years. He took senior status in 2018 but still carried a full caseload.
Bunn said she’ll take several things from Copenhaver’s life and career.
“To take absolute pride in your work, to do your absolute very best with every case, every case is important and every person involved in those cases is important,” Bunn said. “But while you’re doing your job and taking pride in your work you’re also being gracious to people in front of you.”
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — State officials announced Tuesday the West Virginia Capitol Complex will hold a four-day celebration to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
The event will be held July 2-5 and include a Ferris wheel, inflatables, games, food vendors, live music and tours, according to a news release from Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s Office.
The release said a free shuttle will connect the celebration with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.
A light show inspired by the Washington Monument will be projected onto the State Capitol at the end of each evening, the news release said.
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