West Virginia Basketball: Breaking down the vital 2018 recruiting class

C Derek Culver – Wolfeboro, NH

The only top-100 player in West Virginia’s recruiting class, Derek Culver comes in ranked at No. 80 in the country. A 6-foot-10 big man, Culver is incredibly athletic and poses a unique threat on both ends of the floor. Akin to current Mountaineer Sagaba Konate, who is listed at 6-foot-8, Culver uses his athleticism and incredible timing to be a shot-blocking threat inside. In addition, Culver is well-built. It is not easy to push Culver around in the paint. It has also been reported that Culver boasts a 7-foot-3 wingspan.

Culver’s defense is already his calling card but his offensive game is what could allow him to blossom into a star. Although relatively raw on that end of the floor, Culver is a developing post option who is also showing signs of being able to stretch the floor. However, what makes Culver such an intriguing offensive prospect is his willingness to pass. Culver takes pride in being an above-average passer for a big man and his court vision out of the paint is something worth noting.

Culver’s physical tools make him an intriguing player to say the least. West Virginia may be returning an elite frontcourt for 2018-19 but you can expect to see Culver on the floor for a fair number of minute as well. His defense alone warrants playing time and his finishing ability around the basket is just an added bonus. Throw in some high-quality rebounding and passing for a big man and this is a budding star in the making.

Next: Updated preseason Bracketology

Considering the amount of talent that West Virginia lost this offseason, it will be up to this incoming group of players to keep the team afloat. It might be a lot of pressure but these freshmen are what could make 2018-19 simply a reloading year rather than a rebuilding one.