Meet the WVU Basketball Team: Amani Hansberry Fills Important Role

Originally posted on WV Sports Now | By Stephen Graebe | Last updated Nov 15, 2024 12:06 PM ET

Amani Hansberry has been another bright spot for the rebranded WVU squad. In his first appearance against Robert Morris, he was a rebound away from having a double-double, with nine points and 12 boards. And then against UMass, Hansberry followed that up with 16 points and six boards.

However, his performances are not coming as a surprise to the WVU coaching staff. Hansberry was a highly touted recruit out of high school after all.

247 Sports awarded Hansberry four stars out of high school, ranking him the No. 61 overall player in the country and the number one player coming out of Maryland. He held 18 offers out of high school, including an offer from WVU, but ultimately chose Illinois. The lead recruiter for Hansberry? Chester Frazier.

Hansberry appeared in 19 games for an Illini team that made it all the way to the Elite Eight last year. Playing as a true freshman for a that Illinois team says a lot about the caliber of player Hansberry can be, especially being behind players like Coleman Hawkins, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Marcus Domask.

Chester Frazier created a strong relationship with Hansberry out of high school and at Illinois, and that helped Hansberry follow Frazier to Morgantown.

“(Coach Frazier) has always been there for me” Hansberry said, “When I entered the portal, he was the first to get in contact with me.”

WVU’s size issue has forced Hansberry in a foreign position, having to play the five at only 6-foot-8. It hasn’t caused any issues offensively though, as he can still stretch the floor.

Forward Amani Hansberry throws down a dunk at the WVU Coliseum. WVSN photo/Kelsie LeRose

WVSN photo/Kelsie LeRose

When talking about Hansberry scoring from the top of the key, DeVries was not surprised by it, “We put him in that position every day… he’s asked to be a playmaker, facilitator, and to step out and shoot it.”

Having a versatile big like Hansberry is something unfamiliar to WVU fans. He won’t be your typical big player like Derek Culver or Oscar Tshiebwe. More importantly, he is a player that fits DeVries’ system. A true sophomore, the plan is for Hansberry to be at the forefront of the core WVU is now building around for years to come.

For a related story, get to know true freshman Jonathan Powell.

This article first appeared on WV Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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