West Virginia Basketball: Mountaineers add top-100 forward Isaiah Cottrell

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts in the second half against the Murray State Racers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

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MORGANTOWN, WV – JANUARY 24: head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on from the bench in the first half during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at WVU Coliseum on January 24, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

What it means for the program

The best part about this signing might just be the fact that the Mountaineers are still signing top-100 recruits despite have a horrendous season. Recruits might realize that the team was depleted last season after Dax Miles and Jevon Carter graduated, two starters were kicked off the teams, and two more starters were hurt almost all season long.

The team only has 11 players on scholarships this season, and with two of those graduating in Chase Harler and Jermaine Haley that would open up four spots if those are not filled this year. Cottrell has taken one of those spots for the following season, but this is a good start for the Mountaineers on their rebuild.

They do need to have somewhat of a successful season this year and it might just be making the NCAA Tournament to please fans. Most teams hate coming to Morgantown because of their wild student section and loyal fans. The Mountaineers can’t afford to let that go away as just that alone is going to attract bigger recruits to campus allowing Huggins to not play walk-ons like he did this season.

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