MORGANTOWN -
If you do not yet know the name Nerlens Noel, you probably
will in the near future. Noel is listed as the top-ranked Center in the class
of 2013 and was impressed with his recent visit to West Virginia University.
"I put out a list of about ten (schools) and I think West
Virginia will be added," Noel said.
Noel was in town to participate in the Prime Time Shootout
at University High School last weekend. While in town, he met up with WVU
Assistant Coach Larry Harrison.
"I talked to Coach Harrison and got a good feel for him,"
Noel said. "He told me about the program and gave us a tour of the practice
facility and I liked it. I'll be looking forward to building a better
relationship with the coaching staff."
The new practice facility, which the WVU basketball team has
yet to move into, is nearing completion and does its own job of selling the
program. Recruits are drawn to it and Noel is no different.
"It's important to have that, especially if it is open 24 hours
so you can get in the gym and work on whatever you need to," Noel stated. "It's
state-of-the-art. Whatever you need is there. I think that facility is real
nice and there is no way of not getting better having that."
Noel also had the chance to watch a WVU practice. That also
left a positive impression on the rising star.
"Watching practice, I saw that they have a good team and a
good tradition," Noel said. "Everything was in tip-top shape. It wasn't just
nonsense. I like the program and how it is run."
Noel is listed at 6-foot-10, 205 pounds. He is a dominating
presence inside, but admits he can stand to gain some weight, "(I have to)
definitely keep working hard in the weight room and getting stronger and eating
well so I can put on some weight."
Part of Noel's visit included the opportunity to attend the
game at the Coliseum between West Virginia and Cincinnati. That was played in
front of a sold out crowd and ended with WVU beating Cincinnati in overtime.
"It's a crazy atmosphere," Noel said with a smile. "It was
very loud with great fans who are all supportive. It looks like great fans
there."
Noel is facing a situation where he can
potentially work his way into the class of 2012, but it is not something he is leaning towards right now.
"I gave a percentage, 85 percent that I would stay in 2013,"
Noel stated. "But, I am looking to make my decision within the next couple of
weeks."
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