By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Things can change quickly in recruiting and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Bella Vista forward Jamel King found that out first hand over the past couple weeks.
King, at 6-foot-7 and 185 pounds, had signed a letter of intent with New Mexico and was preparing to spend his college career there when he received word the Lobos new coaching staff had over signed and he was set to be a casualty of that in mid-June.
So, after being granted his release, new schools started entering the picture, which makes sense considering his skill set as an athletic wing who can shoot the ball at all levels and play this season.
One of those was West Virginia, led by the efforts of assistant Erik Martin. It was only around a two-week courtship, but Martin made a genuine connection that was only further strengthened after a Zoom meeting where he was able to see the campus and meet with the coaches earlier this week.
The following day, King spoke with Martin again and this time, he got the news he was being offered a scholarship. After a 10-minute discussion with his mother, King committed to the program.
“I’m really excited. You can just hear it in my voice,” he said. “What made me decide to come to West Virginia was the coaching staff. They were real supportive and looking at player development. Coach (Bob) Huggins is going to make me become a great player and the fan base is crazy.”
The rivals.com 3-star prospect understands his role immediately will be as a role player, but he is excited to start his career in Morgantown, which will likely begin in the very near future. King plans to enroll at WVU as early as the beginning of July and is thrilled about the opportunity.
The 2021 prospect fills the final available scholarship for the Mountaineers although more could open depending on the NBA decision of Deuce McBride as well as what unfolds with Sean McNeil.
King is coming off a season where he averaged 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, and is slotted to play wing for the Mountaineers where his athleticism should be an asset from the jump.
A native of Alabama, King is excited for this next chapter in his life even though a few short week ago he never could have seen it as a possibility.
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