There is no doubt that Jason Cuffee is the “Big Man on Campus” at Poca High School, but some would make the argument that Cuffee might just be the best all-around athlete in the state, regardless of classification.
"Jason’s a special kid and a special kind of player," said Poca Head Basketball Coach Allen Osborne when talking about the two sport standout. "I don’t go out on a limb too often about any single player we have, but Jason’s one of those kids that can do anything you ask him.”
But don’t take it from Osborne, who has amassed more wins than any other coach in the history of the Kanawha Valley. Take it from someone who can provide a more unbiased opinion.
"He’s the best player we’ve gone up against in a long time, and we’ve played against some pretty good players,” said Wyoming East Coach Rory Chapman after the Warriors defeated The Dots 56-54 last season at the Big Atlantic Classic in Beckley.
After one glance it is obvious that Cuffee has all the physical tools in place. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at a lean 200 pounds. He has the perfect combination of size, speed and strength at the high school level.
Still not convinced?
Visit YouTube and search “Jason Cuffee.” There you will find videos of him at his best–fast break dunks, precision passes, deep 3-pointers, blocked shots–the kid can do it all.
"He’s just a complete player," said Osborne. "He plays defense, he rebounds, he handles the ball, he scores, he does everything. He’s just a great, solid basketball player, and when he plays well, our team plays well."
Led by Cuffee’s 24 points, eight rebounds and four blocks per game, the Dots have been on fire this season with an undefeated record of 8-0 and are the No. 4 Class AA team in the Metronews Power Index.
On Dec.15 the Dots traveled to Fort Gay, WV to take on Tolsia, a place where Osborne, now in his 34th season, has never left victorious.
Not only did the Dots beat the Rebels 78-54, but Cuffee poured in 37 points, including 28 in the first half, while pulling down ten rebounds.
“When he first got in our system he was a jump-shooter,” says Osborne. “Now his game is more complete. His size allows him to play in the post and take people off the dribble while at the same time screening and making good cuts.”
“Teams try to play box-and-one [zone defense] on him and find different ways of denying him the ball, but he has good patience and he trusts his teammates to get him open.”
As a testament to his athleticism, Cuffee admits that basketball might be his second favorite sport.
"I think my favorite sport is football," Cuffee said. "I like playing it better because I get more excitement out of it. But I’ve done some pretty good things in basketball. I like playing both of them, but football is what I like better."
To go along with his 37 point game this season on the hardwood, he also had a memorable night on the gridiron this fall where he passed for over 400 yards in a single game.
Along with first team all-state honors in both sports, Cuffee has caught the eye of college coaches; some basketball, some football.
Among the interested are Cleveland State, Marshall, George Mason and Division II Tusculum and Fairmont State among others.
The senior has also been contacted by multiple Ivy League schools due to his prowess in the classroom. Cuffee is on pace to graduate this spring with a 4.0 GPA.
A torn meniscus in his right knee last summer had perhaps helped Cuffee find a new passion, to one day become an orthopaedic surgeon.
"After I tore my meniscus twice, the doctor explained how all that stuff worked, and I was really interested," he said. "So I went home and did some research on it, and it kind of sparked my interest."
“The Talented Mr. Cuffee” definitely has a bright future ahead. Whether it be on the court, on the field or in the classroom Cuffee has proven that he can do it all.