MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An extended recruiting process has now concluded for University High School senior K.J. McClurg. After verbally committing to Niagara this past fall, a coaching change there forced McClurg to reopen his recruitment.
That’s when the University of New Hampshire coaching staff stepped in to make sure the state champion guard was a top priority. McClurg committed to UNH on Wednesday and will officially sign his letter of intent when the national signing period opens next week.
“I knew God had a plan,” McClurg said. “Everything happens for a reason. Obviously he had a plan for me and it worked out to what he wanted.
“In late-December, early-January this season they came to a practice and watched me play. Then they offered me. I built a great relationship with (Bill) Herrion the head coach and (Ryan) Herrion the assistant coach. I thought it was right and a great fit for me to go there. So I committed.”
New Hampshire competes in the America East Conference and the Wildcats went 15-15 (8-8 conference) this past season.
“I think I can fit great into the program and what they are trying to do. I have always been told that when you go somewhere, go somewhere that the coaching staff loves you. And they truly do.”
McClurg improved steadily throughout his career at University High School. He was named a Class AAA first team all-state pick this season by averaging 20.3 points per game. McClurg says a major assist goes to his backcourt running mate, Bowling Green signee and state player of the year Kaden Metheny.
“We have always played against these top recruits in AAU. We have played North Carolina commits, Duke commits, North Carolina State commits, Virginia commits. And we were holding our own and beating them. That’s when I was like, I can play at that level too.”
Like players on 31 other boys basketball teams in West Virginia, McClurg is hopeful his high school career is not yet complete. His defending state champion Hawks are the top seed in the Class AAA state tournament bracket. Postseason competition has been suspended for nearly a month.
“I really felt like this year’s team was special. We are all-around deep. And I wish we could have already finished it out. But we just have to keep hoping and praying that everything works itself out and we get to play a state tournament.
“I loved everything I have had at University High School and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everything I have been given.”
McClurg becomes the fifth West Virginia High School senior (WVSSAC schools) to accept a Division I scholarship offer in the Class of 2020. Chapmanville’s Obinna Anochili-Killen (Marshall), Logan’s David Early (Marshall) and Wheeling Park’s Alex Vargo (Youngstown State) are the others.