The top basketball recruit in the state of West Virginia for the 2022 class is finally being noticed by Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers coaching staff. I spoke with Isaac McKneely, a 6’3 guard from Poca High School, a few months ago and I asked what his interest level was in attending West Virginia University, and he immediately said, “They haven’t shown any interest.”
McNeely holds offers from Marshall, Davidson, Liberty, Robert Morris and Xavier, but so far West Virginia has yet to offer and he does not have any favorites right now. That will all likely change this weekend when McNeely visits Morgantown as he visits the facilities, meets the players and takes in the West Virginia/Texas Tech game at the Coliseum.
Bob Huggins atttended McNeely’s recent 79-59 win over Scott High School, where he dropped 18 points. Huggins was impressed and invited McNeely to Morgantown. Although McNeely is starting to gain attention from major colleges around the country, the atmosphere in Morgantown, the players, the coaches, the tradition and playing in front of his home state crowd will likely put the Mountaineers at the top of his list.
According Poca High School’s Head Coach Allen Osborne, “He’s not a one-trick pony. He can shoot it. He can put it on the floor. His defense is improving. I think by the time he is a senior, he’s going to be very, very special.”
McNeely, who only currently weighs approximately 160 pounds, is a high school Sophomore and has plenty of room to grow and get stronger, but he has all the skills to play at high level in a tough conference like the Big 12. According to Next Up Recruits, “ Isaac has a great shot with good form. Coupled with a high IQ and the ability to handle the ball, Isaac has an advanced offensive game for his age. He looks to be one of the top 2022s in the state of West Virginia.”
When Isaac McNeely visits the Coliseum tonight, this will be his first impression of what Mountaineer Nation has to offer, so make him feel welcome and show him some love because one day he will hopefully be a truly special player for the Mountaineers.
