By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia men’s basketball team already has two commitments in the 2021 hoops recruiting class, with two scholarships set to come open after next season concludes.
That should mean the book is closed, right? Not so fast, as the Mountaineers are still involved with a number of other prospects that could still be options for the program.
Akron (Ohio) Lorain guard Seth Wilson and Canton (Ohio) McKinley guard Kobe Johnson are both safely in the fold, effectively eliminating backcourt needs for WVU in the class, but the search is still on when it comes to both bigs and wings. It’s a necessary action with sophomore Oscar Tshiebwe already exploring professional options after his first season with the program and Gabe Osabuohien set to graduate.
So who are some names to watch?
Elizabeth (N.J.) The Patrick School big man Samson Johnson collected a lot of high major offers and WVU is one that is interested. There is going to be a lot of competition for his services, but the talented big man is a name that is on the short list for the Mountaineers.
The program also could look to the junior college level to address needs if necessary, as well, and there are several names to watch on that front.
Navarro J.C. (Texas) center Souleymane Doumbia is coming off a season where he averaged 10.4 points and 6.9 rebounds. He stands 7-foot tall and is originally from the Ivory Coast in Africa.
He should have three years to play two remaining after this year and will be one of the more highly recruited players at that level of basketball.
Carterville (Ill.) John A. Logan College big man Jamarion Sharp is another name to watch as the Hopkinsville (Ky.) native averaged 5.5 points and 5 rebounds per game as a freshman this past season. He is listed as
7-foot-2 and 220 pounds, making him an intriguing post option.
He should have three years to play two left in his career, but it remains to be seen how his recruitment will evolve at this stage of things.
The Mountaineers also have expressed interest in Beckley Prep wing Sam Alajiki. The Irish-born import is coming off a season where he averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and the WVU program has been involved with him for quite some time.
The 2021 class already has some valuable pieces, but it appears things are far from finished.
