Joe Toussaint spent three years at Iowa but wanted a different role.
The New York point guard was primarily relied upon for his defense and ability to pass the ball during his time with the Hawkeyes and the numbers show that.
Toussaint averaged only 3.7 and 4.3 points per game in each of his final two seasons with Iowa, but wanted the opportunity for more. So a change of scenery was necessary.
In those last two seasons, Toussaint hit double digits only four total times. Not that scoring runs on the ball was his biggest priority, but wanted more opportunities.
So after entering the transfer portal, Toussaint was looking for a place that would give him the chance to expand his game and score off the ball.
“I also knew I could score the ball. My gym is my happy place – morning, night, whatever time it is, I’m always in the gym,” he said. “I knew I could score and put the ball in the basket.”
West Virginia was looking for the veteran experience at guard that Toussaint could really provide. While his role in that department at Iowa was limited, the Mountaineers knew Toussaint was a big scorer in high school and could provide a spark in the back court on offense.
When you consider what he brought to life as a facilitator and on the defensive end, it was an easy choice to accept his commitment after entering the portal and touring the campus. Despite a long list of other schools interested, Toussaint felt he was a perfect fit for what the Mountaineers wanted to do.
The senior guard felt his style of play was a perfect mesh for what Huggins wanted from his guards on both ends of the floor.
Yes, he’s a polished defender at the power five level, but the opportunity to play ball-screens, down screens and in motion offense was also extremely enticing.
He also liked the idea of being able to play more freely when it comes to his offense.
The decision paid off as Toussaint averaged a career-best 9.8 points per contest while shooting a career-best from beyond the three-point line. He still maintains his level of consistency when it comes to passing the basketball as well and is a weapon on the defensive end.
For example, Toussaint has 14 double-digit scoring performances this season, including a career-high 22 points and one of the best games of his career against Iowa State as he has developed into a vital part of the Mountaineers’ attack. .
One of the biggest lessons he’s learned in his career is that there are ways to influence the game even when the ball isn’t going in the basket.
“I preach this to them every day. The crime is about to happen as it pleases; People have bad games or bad shooting games. But I tell people that you can control your effort and you can control the defense and play tough.
The veteran guard has played his part not only as a scoring option off the bench but also as a leader given his experience.
It’s a decision that has paid off for Toussaint as he has turned his role around the way he chose to find a new college landing spot.