Um, rich man’s Jon Holton? However you want to label him, Derek Culver is committed to West Virginia, and this is the biggest recruiting win for the Mountaineers since Esa Ahmad.

What I mean to say is Bob Huggins is getting big-time players. Culver is considered to be one of the top 100 prospects in the 2017 class. Rivals rates him No. 51, 247Sports No. 54 and ESPN No. 78. Each grades him as a four-star after he averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds last season.

“You’ll see his numbers dramatically increase next season,” said the coach.

Vlajkovich said WVU didn’t give up while recruiting Culver.

“Hugs got in early and was consistent,” said the coach. “He came and saw Derek in the fall. He came and saw him in the spring. Larry Harrison and he were consistent and developed a sincere relationship with Derek.”

“I feel I’ll fit into West Virginia’s system really well,” Culver said. “I’m 6-10. I have size to cover. I can pass and shoot. I have versatility.”

It’s been suggested, in fact, that Culver could be another Ohio Player of the Year landed by Huggins, according to Vlajkovich.

“He can be,” said the coach. “He needs to work on his consistency. But there’s no doubt he has the ability worthy of the title.”