When will Devin Ebanks play?

Andy Katz is reporting that West Virginia forward Devin Ebanks, a potential all-american and lottery pick, is expected to be play tomorrow as West Virginia takes on Long Beach State in the 76 Classic out in Anaheim.

As John Flowers (13 points) and Joe Mazzulla (6 assists in 15 minutes) both returned to action in WVU's Tuesday night game against the Citadel, adding Ebanks to the line-up will mean that the Mountaineers are finally playing at full strength.

But is Ebanks really going to be playing against Long Beach State?

It looks like we will find out at tip-off when Devin Ebanks will suit up.
(photo credit: isports)

You see, Jeff Goodman tweeted that Ebanks is not expected to play tomorrow (Thursday), and will be suiting up for the first time on Saturday in West Virginia's second round game.

Regardless, the Mountaineers are not going to live up to their lofty preseason expectations without Ebanks.

Don't get me wrong, WVU has a good front line. Da'Sean Butler looks like he could be a first-team all-conference player while Kevin Jones, Wellington Smith, John Flowers, and Cam Thoroughman match-up well, in terms of size, strength, and ability, with anyone in the Big East.

But outside of Butler, who can create offensively in that group? Ebanks not only provides some shot blocking and defensive play making, he provides versatility and match-up nightmares on the offensive end. He isn't the most polished offensive player but he scores well off of cuts and can take a slower defender off the dribble when he plays the four.

West Virginia will not be a complete team until he is back in the line-up.