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.