Coach Bob Huggins, widely known as one of the best recruiters in the nation, has brought his alma mater something Gale Catlett and John Beilen failed to do. Bring in top quality recruits to the Morgantown area on the campus of WVU! Just his heartfelt pitch last night with the words “”I want to make sure they know what having West Virginia on your shirt means.” would bring any city boy a sense of pride when comparing college choices.

The class of 2008 with Truck Bryant, Kevin Jones, Roscoe Davis, and possibly Ater Majok will arguably be one of the greatest recruiting classes in recent memory. It can only get better. That’s why the class of 2009 may be the most important class in WVU basketball history. This is the class that may propel the Mountaineers into year-in year-out Final Four contenders and a force to be reckon within the Big East. So without further ado here’s a breakdown of some big-named athletes who may potentially come to Morgantown in 2009.

1.) Kevin Parrom - 6′5″ 180 St. Raymond HS Bronx N.Y

If that school looks familiar to you that is the same school as Truck Bryant goes to. From watching his 27 point 16 rebound performance Monday afternoon on ESPNU he basically stole the show and offset Truck’s rare off game. When he fills out physically his game is reminiscent of Grant Hill. He’s a very hard worker on and off the court. Can produce points anywhere on the floor just like Joe Alexander. Will dominate the boards with his excellent athletic ability.

Schools that are offering : Pitt, Rutgers, St. John’s, Xavier, and WVU

2.) Dalton Pepper - 6′5″ 215 Pennsbury HS Fairless Hills, PA

This sharpshooter is making Big East coaches take notice including Coach Huggs. 19th among shooting guards from Hoops, Pepper has single-handily led the Falcons to a current 19-1 record by averaging over 24 points a game. According to head coach Frank Scoilla “he is one of those kids that is very competitive. He has a high basketball IQ. He can play above or below the rim. He has a lot of big game qualities.” I read he may be slow on defense but with Coach Huggs that’s sure to greatly improve.”

Schools of interest: Villanova (Very High), Miami, Seton Hall, and WVU

3.) Bobby Capobianco - 6′8″ 230 Loveland HS Loveland, OH

Hails from the Cincinnati area so you can bet he worships the ground Huggs walks on. Averaging over 20 points he can provide one-on-one space in the power forward postiion and score points from inside and out. He previously visited WVU on an unofficial visit during the Mississippi State football game and seemed very impressed with the homecoming turnout. He would be a welcome addition in a conference where big men are at a premium.

Schools that offered: Marquette, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and WVU

4.) Brian Oliver - 6′7″ 200 Oak Hill Academy Mouth of Wilson, VA

A perennial Top 25 high school that has churned Division I prospects year in and year out. Oliver is sure to be the cream of the crop with his physical game and the ability to make shots on a consistent basis. He’s difficult to defend on the court with his quick-release shot. He has the potential to be a fine college player.

Schools that offered: Virginia Tech, Pitt, Miami, Cincinnati, and WVU

5.) Durand Scott 6′4″ 175 Rice Manhattan, NY

Another New York product who is spoke of highly in that area. Another fine shooter who is quick off the ball, very competitive, is able to exploit any weaknesses in the defense. Like Truck he can drive to the hoop and take the big boys one on one. He has lead Rice to a Top 10 High School and can only get better. Heck of an accomplishment if Huggs can get him.

Schools interested in him: Connecticut, Duke, Memphis, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Rutgers

6.) Omari Lawrence 6′3″ 170 St. Raymond Bronx, NY

It’s really something to have a Division I prospect in any high school but three? Yes, there are three legitimate prospects for the Ravens and Lawrence is one of them. He’s very long-armed for his size which benefits him defensively. His high athleticism is perfect for Coach Huggs’ defensive scheme in which he is also able to take him to the hoop. He needs to work on his shooting but his skills are too good to pass up.

Schools that offered: Arizona, Pittsburgh, St. John’s, and Xavier

7.) Lance Stephenson 6′5″ 205 Lincoln Brooklyn, NY

Saving the best for last this hot prospect is arguably one of the best rated players in the nation. From the same high school that brought fans Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair this man has NBA-potential written all over it. A likely one-and-done candidate Stephenson is very strong. He can out-muscled any defense inside and out. His jumpshot is steadily improving. He is in the same mold as O.J. Mayo and wouldn’t be something if he came to Morgantown.

Schools of interest: Indiana, Louisville, Memphis, and North Carolina

After looking at these potential recruits how many scholarships will be available for them? With The Rainmaker, Joe Alexander, and popular walk-on Ted Talkington all graduating there’s at least three there to offer. Now if Coach Huggs is unable to grab another one for the 2008 that can be carried over to next season. There’s also a chance Davis may not graduate on time so he could be a part of the 2009 class. There’s so many other possibilities that a scholarship can be made available such as Jerry West paying the tab for his son Johnnie or a couple of other Mountaineers who, like Jacob Green, may not fit into their plans. The other recruits who I didn’t mention may have a strong AAU season in the summertime that would catapult them to the Top 100. All in all the class of 2009 may shape up to be Coach Huggs finest recruiting masterpiece.