Pittsburgh Recruiting

2011 INTRODUCTION: DEVON COTTRELL

Pa. sophomore forward developing an impressive early following of schools

In Western Pennsylvania when Gateway High School is mentioned, people immediately think about the powerful Gators football program, led by Ohio State commits Dorian Bell and Corey Brown. Once again this year, the Gators are among the teams to beat in the WPIAL playoffs and have moved into the WPIAL semifinals by winning their first two playoff games by a combined score of 66-0.

The basketball team at Gateway definitely has a tough act to follow. However, with 6-foot-6, 210 pound sophomore forward Devon Cottrell, the Gators of the hardwood will try their best to bring home their own championship.

While Gateway’s season came to an early conclusion last season with an 81-55 loss to North Allegheny in the opening round of the WPIAL playoffs, Devon Cottrell left an impression that has fans eager to see more as he scored 18 points in the contest that closed his freshman season.

Now as a sophomore for Mitch Adams’ club, Cottrell, who lists his strengths on the court as “defense, rebounding and blocking shots,” has hopes that his team wins section and his individual goal is to make the all-WPIAL 1st team as a sophomore.

With three more seasons of high school ball, plus a couple summers stepping over state lines to compete with the Ohio Basketball Club on the AAU circuit, it is clear college coaches will be checking out Cottrell, in fact, they already are.

“Pittsburgh, Xavier, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Akron, Virgina Tech, Oregon State (and) Wright State (have) been in contact,” Cottrell tells NBE. “Akron, Penn State (and) Pitt came to see me workout,” Cottrell adds.

Cottrell also indicated to NBE that he has been able to check out the campuses of Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Xavier and Penn State on unofficial visits, getting a head start on the recruiting process. He also made it clear that he has not formed any sort of leaders at this early stage among the schools he has been hearing from.

For now, Devon said he will continue to work on his ball handling and prepare for the season. Keep the name Devon Cottrell filed away for the future. In an area full of football prospects, another could emerge from the basketball courts of Western Pennsylvania and join other area hoopsters such as Herb Pope, DeJuan Blair and DJ Kennedy in the Big East.

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