Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Recruiting: In-State Standout Picks West Virginia

Mar 13, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Bob Huggins reacts to play during the first half against the Texas Longhorns in the second round of the Big 12 Conference college basketball tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, Class of 2015 recruit James “Beetle” Bolden announced his commitment to West Virginia University.

Bolden is from Covington, Kentucky and attends Holmes High School.  He is a 5’11” point guard and is rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.  247Sports also ranks him as the No. 32 point guard and as the No. 139 overall prospect in the Class of 2015.

Bolden chose West Virginia over Butler, Ohio, Purdue, and Xavier.  Earlier in the year, Butler and Xavier were his two favorites.  However, West Virginia Coach Bob Huggins and his staff were persistent as they made multiple visits this past season to see Bolden practice and play.

Bolden was also receiving attention from Clemson, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, and Tennessee, among others.  Before leaving to take the head coaching job at South Florida, former UK assistant coach Orlando Antigua was remaining in contact with Bolden.  Bolden was never recruited by Louisville.

As a skilled shooter and ball-handler Bolden has clearly impressed many people and become one of the best players in Kentucky.  He is a two-time first-team All-State selection and averaged 20.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game last season.