West Virginia men's basketball is hoping to keep their five-star pipeline to both Canadian prospects and Bella Vista Prep (AZ) open, and the latest update from one of the top talents in Class of 2027 is good news on that front for the Mountaineers.
It's been no secret that the West Virginia Mountaineers are heavily involved with Bella Vista Prep center Paul Osaruyi, who is currently listed as the No. 1 center and the No. 3 best player overall in his recruiting class. And given that three of his current teammates at Bella Vista Prep – Miles Sadler, Aliou Dioum, and Amadou Seini – have all committed to Ross Hodge in recent months, the Mountaineers might have a unique advantage.
Another advantage, which was also crucial in landing the other Bella Vista prospects, is his relationship with WVU assistant Yusuf Ali. And it appears from Osaruyi's latest update on his recruitment, both those advantages are working in WVU's favor.
Paul Osaruyi reveals insight into his relationship with WVU basketball during the recruiting process
The Mountaineers are staying in hot pursuit of Osaruyi despite competition from elite programs such as Arkansas, Houston, Kentucky, and UNC – and while those other programs have their own unqiue advantages, WVU is pulling heavily on their advantages as well.
“They’re always calling me; checking up on me, asking me how my games are going and everything. You know, my guys are up there,” Osaruyi said.
“My big, Amadou Seini, from Bella Vista just committed there, so they’re building a great program. They’re all great up there, great coaching. You know, I’ve known Coach Yusuf Ali since I was a freshman in high school. We’ve built a great connection through the Canadian route. He coached my older brother in high school when I was younger, so we have built a great connection. And I’ve known Ross Hodge for a long time, he’s a great guy.”
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