Morgantown, West Virginia – Derek Culver is currently in Los Angeles, California and is obviously, clearly leaving West Virginia University soon.
Culver has posted several messages on social media over the past few days, showing him in the Los Angeles area. First, at LAX airport, then in a LA neighborhood called Nickerson Gardens, and finally in Hollywood today (pictures provided below).
While he could be simply vacationing in Los Angeles, what student travels across the country in the middle of a school semester?
It’s far more likely that he has decided to sign with an agent, is meeting with the agent in Los Angeles and will announce in the coming days that he is pursuing a career in professional basketball.
While Culver was a first team Big 12 Conference player this season, averaging 14.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, his weaknesses and flaws were really exposed late in the season against big, physical opponents.
Culver, 24, is unlikely to improve his draft stock by returning another year and in fact he could hurt his chances of playing professionally by either getting hurt or not equaling his previous season’s statistics.
With that said, the decision to move on is in his best interest. He will not be drafted but could impress teams during workouts and perhaps earn a spot in the NBA G League. At 6’10 and 255 pounds, Culver has the size and strength to compete at the next level, but his defensive effort and perimeter game need major work.
Riding his Big 12 first team accomplishment and his extremely impressive statistics from last season, Culver will certainly get looks from NBA scouts and executives. While it’s difficult to lose a player with his experience and productivity, leaving now is what’s best for Derek Culver, and it appears that he’s already made his mind up.
Note: A search of the WVU student directory shows that Derek Culver is still enrolled at West Virginia University as a student.
