By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia hit the transfer portal again for another 2021-22 roster addition by adding DePaul forward Pauly Paulicap to the fold.
Paulicap, at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, narrowed his options down to WVU and Rutgers but selected the Mountaineers after the program made him a priority on the recruiting trial. WVU was involved from the jump and expressed a need for a low-post option with his skill set.
“I chose West Virginia because I believe coach (Bob) Huggins could challenge me in way that can take my game to the next level. The coaches believe my defensive presence and my motor is what makes me a prefect fit,” Paulicap said.
The New York native will have one season of eligibility remaining with the Big 12 program and is the third this off-season behind Old Dominion point guard Malik Curry and Florida International rim protector Dimon Carrigan.
With one year remaining, Paulicap will fit in as a hard-nosed player who will help the Mountaineers address issues on defense and with rebounding, as well as being able to score at the basket.
Paulicap is coming off a season where he averaged 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his one season with the Blue Demons. He finished with a 12.7% offensive rebounding percentage which ranked 54th nationally and 50 of his 115 total rebounds game on that end.
Prior to his time in Chicago, Paulicap played at Manhattan, where he averaged 10 points per game and was named MACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. His ability to defend is his calling card and is a near perfect mesh for what head coach Bob Huggins wants to find out of his players.
Paulicap understands his role and is primarily a post player, connecting on 55%of his attempts and plays within the offense instead of forcing things. He isn’t a threat to stretch the defense beyond the three-point line as he didn’t even attempt a single field goal from deep in his only season at DePaul but he can put the ball in the basket with five double-figure games including a 20-point effort.
The Mountaineers are now full when it comes to scholarships for next season, although decisions still remain for several players such as forward Derek Culver, guard Deuce McBride, guard Taz Sherman and guard Sean McNeil on possible professional opportunities.
Huggins and his staff have been aggressive when it comes to filling holes on the roster and Paulicap is another experienced piece as the Mountaineers look to make the most of next season.
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