Instant Reaction: Consensus Five Star Center Oscar Tshiebwe Commits to West Virginia

In an enormous coup for Bob Huggins and Press Virginia, Hermitage, PA (Kennedy Catholic) Center Oscar Tshiebwe has chosen West Virginia. The consensus five star talent chose the Mountaineers over Illinois, Baylor, and most importantly, a late push by John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats. Despite the late move by the Wildcats, Bob Huggins and West Virginia were able to close strong with his final official visit a couple weeks ago in Morgantown.

Tshiebwe, a native of Mali, followed a similar path to Sagaba Konate in finding his way to Morgantown and Press Virginia. According to the 247 Sports composite ranking, Tshiebwe is the highest rated commitment in program history, edging out 2008 headliners Kevin Jones and Devin Ebanks.

A five star commitment for Bob Huggins is a validation of the Press Virginia system, which started out as a gimmick that allowed a team that couldn't shoot to compete. Three Sweet 16 appearances later, elite talent has taken notice of a system that has turned unheralded prospects into NBA draft picks, and the waning years of the Bob Huggins era in Morgantown appear to be as bright as when he walked down the carpet 11 years ago.