BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: WEST VIRGINIA

May 18, 2008


Commitment Alert: Devin Ebanks, 6'8 (F) from St. Thomas More (CT) Prep.


Projected 2008-2009 Roster


Seniors: Joe Alexander (SF), Alex Ruoff (WF)
Juniors: Joe Mazzula (PG), Wellington Smith (F), Desean Butler (WF)
Sophomores: John Flowers (F), Will Thomas (G), Cam Thoroughman (F), Jonnie West (G)
Freshmen: Darryl Bryant (PG), Roscoe Davis (BF), Kevin Jones (F), Devin Ebanks (F)
2009 Commitment: None
2010 Commit: Noah Cottrill (G)

John Calipari has not lost much the last couple seasons, either on the court or on the rectuiting trail. So when Devin Ebanks was allowed out of his signed letter of intent to Indiana in the wake of Kelvin Sampson's dismissal as head coach, Memphis immediately went to the top of the list in the Ebanks chase. However, in the end, Ebanks Commits to West Virginia Instead of Memphis (Memphis Commercial Appeal) and Bob Huggins has the big piece to the puzzle that he has been looking for since becoming the WVU head coach.

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Read More Ebanks and WVU's recruiting...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Bob Huggins aggressively pursued options to close out the 2008 recruiting class. With one scholarship being held for Joe Alexander if he removes his name from the NBA Draft, the Mountaineers still have a scholarship open and the fans and staff got their wish as Devin Ebanks is willing to accept that offer. Ebanks, the nation's top uncommitted player remaining in the class of 2008, recently visited West Virginia and the Mountaineers definitely helped themselves. The 6'8, 185 lb Ebanks has the versatility and talent to step into Alexander's role and be productive. Ebanks visited Rutgers, Memphis and Texas after re-opening the process and found the Mountaineers to be the right fit for his talents.

Ebanks is a native of NYC and played the last couple seasons at St. Thomas More in Connecticut under Jere Quinn. This past seasn, Ebanks averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in just two seasons.

Ebanks is long and lean and a versatile scorer who could fill a role similar to that of Joe Alexander if the talented WVU junior keeps his name in the NBA draft. The chance to make an immediate inpact at the college level played a big role in Ebanks decision to choose WVU over Memphis and Rutgers, his other finalists.

Ebanks joins a class with Kevin Jones, a 6'7 combo forward, as well as 6'10 athletic big forward Roscoe Davis and NYC PG Darryl 'Truck' Bryant as part of one of the conference's top classes.

Coach Bob Huggins can now fully put his efforts in the class of 2009 and looked like he was off to an intriguing start when Keith DeWitt made a verbal commitment to WVU on April 30th. However, last week, DeWitt withdrew his verbal, and although still considering the Mountaineers, will look at all his options first. With two scholarships open for 2009 on paper, concentrating on targets such as Brian Oliver, 6'6 wing out of Oak Hill, Dalton Pepper, 6'5 guard from Pennsbury (PA), Durand Scott, 6'4 guard from Rice (HS), 6'6 forward Kevin Parrom of St. Raymond's (NYC), 6'8 power forward Dan Jennings of Oak Hill Academy and 6'10 big man Aaric Murray of Glen Mills (PA) could be the next move for Huggins and his staff.

The early recruiting is also evident in the fact that 6'1 Sophomore Noah Cottrell from Poca High School (WV) has made an early pledge to WVU. Cottrell is one of the top rated prospects in the class of 2010.

We will continue to pay close attention to the West Virginia recruiting prospects as Bob Huggins looks to make his stamp on his alma mater.

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BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: WEST VIRGINIA

On April 30th, Keith Dewitt committed to Bob Huggins and West Virginia, now, two weeks later, DeWitt Pulls 2009 Commitment from West Virginia (Charleston Daily Mail), believing he rushed into the decision without visiting WVU or looking into how he would fit into the line-up.


Projected 2008-2009 Roster


Seniors: Joe Alexander (SF), Alex Ruoff (WF)
Juniors: Joe Mazzula (PG), Wellington Smith (F), Desean Butler (WF)
Sophomores: John Flowers (F), Will Thomas (G), Cam Thoroughman (F), Jonnie West (G)
Freshmen: Darryl Bryant (PG), Roscoe Davis (BF), Kevin Jones (F)
2009 Commitment: None
2010 Commit: Noah Cottrill (G)



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Read More on DeWitt WVU's recruiting...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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With scholarship offers from schools like Nebraska, Missouri, Cincinnati and LaSalle, it was a recent offer from Bob Huggins that floored Charis Prep forward Keith DeWitt, "Coach [Bob] Huggins came here," Dewitt told the Charleston Gazette. "He saw I was able to shoot the 3s, handle the ball and do things that most 6-10 players can't. He put the offer on the table."

And that was all it took and DeWitt accepted that offer last night and is the first memeber of the Mountaineer 2009 recruiting class. However, just two weeks later, DeWitt has decided to open the process back up, although he still is very interested in the Mountaineers.

Prior to Charis Prep, DeWitt attended Andrew High in High Point (NC) and will be a post-graduate 2009 recruit. DeWitt is a very raw prospect who is still learning the game as he has not had much experience in organized basketball and past ups and downs in his life has put him behind academically. However, being 6'10 with loads of potential and athleticism, DeWitt could be a very high reward recruit for coach Huggins at West Virginia and is very reminiscent to some of his previous studs at Cincinnati. He is definitely wise to take his time considering by the time DeWitt reaches college, he will be a 22-year old freshman. Reports of legal, personal and family problems kept him out of school and organized basketball the past three years prior to Charis Prep.

Bob Huggins is still aggressively pursuing options to close out the 2008 recruiting class. With one scholarship being held for Joe Alexander if he removes his name from the NBA Draft, the Mountaineers still have a scholarship open and the fans and staff hope Devin Ebanks is willing to accept that offer. Ebanks, the nation's top uncommitted player remaining in the class of 2008, recently visited West Virginia and the Mountaineers definitely helped themselves. The 6'8, 185 lb Ebanks has the versatility and talent to step into Alexander's role and be productive. Ebanks has visited Rutgers, Memphis and texas as well and many believe he is choosing between the Tigers, Scarlet Knights and Mountaineers. Conflicting reports have had Memphis and/or Rutgers not included in the final two, but WVU is consistently mentioned as a finalist. WVU is definitely an appealing option to Ebanks and his advisors because of the possibility of playing Alexander's role. Ebanks is expected to make the decision public by week's end.

If Ebanks opts elsewhere, a player like Teeng Akol, 6'10 big man from IMG could be a possibility as WVU has shown recent interest. Huggins has said recently he fully intends to use the last open scholarship, however, with only one (on paper) remaining in 2009 and with DeWitt on board, maybe concentrating in targets such as Brian Oliver, 6'6 wing out of Oak Hill, Dalton Pepper, 6'5 guard from Pennsbury (PA), Durand Scott, 6'4 guard from Rice (HS) and 6'10 big man Aaric Murray of Glen Mills (PA) would be a more prudent option.

The early recruiting is also evident in the fact that 6'1 Sophomore Noah Cottrell from Poca High School (WV) has made an early pledge to WVU. Cottrell is one of the top rated prospects in the class of 2010.

We will continue to pay close attention to the West Virginia recruiting prospects as Bob Huggins looks to make his stamp on his alma mater.

Read more!

HUGGINS FINE, WEST LOOKS TO IMPROVE

West Virginia fans, players and friends of coach Bob Huggins were relieved last evening to learn that Huggins is Fine After Fall at Charlotte Airport (Charleston Daily Mail) that required a precautionary trip to the Carolinas Medical Center in downtown Charlotte. After a few hours being observed by medical personnel, Huggins was released and made it to the Charlotte chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association event held at Carmel Country Club for dinner. Coach Huggins was expected to participate in the golf event earlier that day, which he flew into Charlotte for.

Extensive travel since the season came to a close has taken a toll on the 54-year old coach, but yesterday’s incident seems to be an accident and not health related.



There is not denying that Jonnie West has a lot to live up to on the basketball court. Afterall, his father Jerry West is the greatest player ever to come out of West Virginia University and his likeness is used as the NBA’s logo. For Jonnie, a soon to be redshirt sophomore on Bob Huggins’ WVU squad, his goals are not to re-write the WVU record books, but more of a simple nature. For the immediate future, West’s Goals at WVU are to Bulk Up and Play More (Daily Mail) and take it from there.

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WVU COACH BOB HUGGINS HOSPITALIZED

According to the Charleston Daily Mail, West Virginia Men's basketball coach Bob Huggins is in a Charlotte Hospital following a fall at the Charlotte (NC) airport earlier today.

Huggins was in town for an alumni event scheduled for Carmel Country Club, but upon exiting the plane the 54 year old coach tripped over a cone and hit his head on his fall. Huggins felt dizzy and was taken to the Carolinas Medical Center in downtown Charlotte as a precautionary measure.

Updates will be found at the NBE Basketball Report when they are available.

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BOB HUGGINS SIGNS CONTRACT, PLAYER PREPARE FOR FUTURE

May 7, 2008


West Virginia finally has the signature of Bob Huggins on a contract, and, it is a doozy! Huggins Could Make $1.5 Million Annually (Martinsburg Journal) and, in all, $20.5 million in guaranteed money for the life of the contract which carries the 54 year old to age 65.

The contract is also loaded with incentives, including some based on academic achievement of his players, includes a $4 million buyout and penalties for intentional NCAA violations or incidents of personal conduct.

Huggins New Contract Revealed (Daily Mail) additional perks such as a membership at Lakeview Resort, two courtesy cars, 20 tickets to every home men's basketball game, 10 tickets to every postseason men's basketball game and six tickets to every home football game.


Alex Ruoff and Joe Mazzulla will run the show next season. As one would expect, Ruoff’s main job is to shoot three’s and Mazzulla’s is to handle the ball, but this offseason each will be working on honing the skill possessed by the other. For next season, Ruoff and Mazzulla Hope to Change WVU Backcourt Concepts (Daily Mail) as each becomes a more well-rounded threat.

Any time coaching turnover happens a program goes through changes in personnel. The new coach is not always a fit for the returning players and as a new coach brings in his guys, there can be a divide. Bob Huggins has done a remarkable job keeping West Virginia together despite a coaching style and system nearly the polar opposite of his predecessor, John Beilein. However, since the end of the season, many wondered if Wellington Smith would be one that opts to leave for a situation that would more closely resemble the one he initially signed up for. However, even with the pain of the season-ending loss to Xavier, All’s Well with Wellington and WVU (Charleston Gazette). Smith, to me, seems like a player, much like Joe Alexander, that has the physical tools and potential to star in Huggins’ system and if he can adapt to the coaching style of coach Huggins he could be a much different player. He needs a little of that fire and, if a coach is going to put it into him, it probably would be Huggins.

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WEST VIRGINIA CHASES PA BIG MAN

Bob Huggins has embarked on many reclamation projects in the past with recruits coming through the ranks with troubled past. Recently, he added a 2009 commitment from Keith DeWitt and another target he is looking at in the 2009 class is Glen Mills 6'10 center Aaric Murray.

Aaric Murray is Using Basketball to Turn His Life Around and has attracted considerable attention from West Virginia, Villanova, Pittsburgh and Rutgers.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: WEST VIRGINIA

May 1, 2008


Verbal Commitment Alert: Keith DeWitt, 6'10 of Charis Prep (NC)


Projected 2008-2009 Roster


Seniors: Joe Alexander (SF), Alex Ruoff (WF)
Juniors: Joe Mazzula (PG), Wellington Smith (F), Desean Butler (WF)
Sophomores: John Flowers (F), Will Thomas (G), Cam Thoroughman (F), Jonnie West (G)
Freshmen: Darryl Bryant (PG), Roscoe Davis (BF), Kevin Jones (F)
2009 Commitment: Keith Dewitt (F)
2010 Commit: Noah Cottrill (G)

While Bob Huggins is still working diligently on filling his last open scholarship for the 2008 class, he has struck on the recruiting trail for 2009 as Keith DeWitt, a 6'10 Prep Standout Commits to WVU (Charleston Gazette)

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Read More on DeWitt WVU's recruiting...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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With scholarship offers from schools like Nebraska, Missouri, Cincinnati and LaSalle, it was a recent offer from Bob Huggins that floored Charis Prep forward Keith DeWitt, "Coach [Bob] Huggins came here," Dewitt told the Charleston Gazette. "He saw I was able to shoot the 3s, handle the ball and do things that most 6-10 players can't. He put the offer on the table."

And that was all it took and DeWitt accepted that offer last night and is the first memeber of the Mountaineer 2009 recruiting class. Prior to Charis Prep, DeWitt attended Andrew High in High Point (NC) and will be a post-graduate 2009 recruit. DeWitt is a very raw prospect who is still learning the game as he has not had much experience in organized basketball and past ups and downs in his life has put him behind academically. However, being 6'10 with loads of potential and athleticism, DeWitt could be a very high reward recruit for coach Huggins at West Virginia and is very reminiscent to some of his previous studs at Cincinnati.

Although already with a 2009 commit in hand, Bob Huggins is still aggressively pursuing options to close out the 2008 recruiting class. With one scholarship being held for Joe Alexander if he removes his name from the NBA Draft, the Mountaineers still have a scholarship open and the fans and staff hope Devin Ebanks is willing to accept that offer. Ebanks, the nation's top uncommitted player remaining in the class of 2008, recently visited West Virginia and the Mountaineers definitely helped themselves. The 6'8, 185 lb Ebanks has the versatility and talent to step into Alexander's role and be productive. Ebanks will visit Rutgers, this weekend, and Memphis next weekend before making a decision. WVU is definitely an appealing option to Ebanks and his advisors because of the possibility of playing Alexander's role.

If Ebanks opts elsewhere, a player like Teeng Akol, 6'10 big man from IMG could be a possibility as WVU has shown recent interest. Huggins has said recently he fully intends to use the last open scholarship, however, with only one (on paper) remaining in 2009 and with DeWitt on board, maybe concentrating in targets such as Brian Oliver, 6'6 wing out of Oak Hill, Dalton Pepper, 6'5 guard from Pennsbury (PA), Durand Scott, 6'4 guard from Rice (HS) and 6'10 big man Aaric Murray of Glen Mills (PA) would be a more prudent option.

The early recruiting is also evident in the fact that 6'1 Sophomore Noah Cottrell from Poca High School (WV) has made an early pledge to WVU. Cottrell is one of the top rated prospects in the class of 2010.

We will continue to pay close attention to the West Virginia recruiting prospects as Bob Huggins looks to make his stamp on his alma mater.

Read more!