One of the top prep basketball players in Northeast Ohio, Derek Culver, is likely headed to Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Last year, the WVU basketball program was the first to offer Culver, a power forward out of Warren Harding High School, one of the top teams in the Mahoning Valley region of Northeast Ohio.
Because of that initial contact, a season later, the Mountaineers are likely the frontrunner for the talented Culver.
According to an article in the Youngstown Vindicator, Culver has been weighing his multitude of collegiate options. A lot of top programs are after the 6-foot-10, 230-pound standout.
“West Virginia is out front,” ESPN’s Joe Stovall told Charles Grove. “I would be surprised if it’s not West Virginia, but this summer is going to have a lot to say about what happens.
“He’s a talented big kid and there’s not that many of them in the country. He’s probably the most talented big kid close to West Virginia talented enough to help win them games.”
It’s a high honor as the Mountaineers have had a talented big kid in the form of Devin Williams the past three seasons.
Related Story: Devin Williams may return to WVU
Watching a guy like Williams as the team’s offensive centerpiece down low has had to have opened Culver’s eyes. He can see how Huggins plans to utilize him in the future.
That’s if Culver is a sure-fire sign for the Mountaineers. Currently, he has 13 scholarship offers to play at the next level.
According to VerbalCommits.com, Culver is rated as a four-star prospect by Scout, Rivals and ESPN. He has the attention of every big school on the East coast.
But, thanks to Huggins and West Virginia getting in the game early, Culver could be headed to Morgantown next season.