West Virginia Recruiting

CLASS OF 2010 INTRO: JABS NEWBY

From North of the Border to Mountain State Academy to the high-major radar

A player to keep an eye on this spring and summer AAU season is 6-foot-1, 170-pound guard Jabs Newby, a current junior at Mountain State Academy in Berkley (WV). Newby came to Mountain State in the middle of last year from his native home of Toronto, Canada. North of the border, Newby attended St. Marguerite D’Youville High School and played AAU ball with M33M Canada.

Now, playing at a burgeoning program on the national scene and with the newly formed Team Takeover (Canada), Newby will get plenty of opportunity to showcase and improve his skills.

“The best part of my experience at Mountain State is playing basketball against other ranked high school teams in America,” said Newby. “Also, learning more to become a true point guard.”

The season has had its up and downs for Mountain State, but they have been learning to come together and play as a team. West Virginia commits Deniz Kilicli (2009) and Noah Cottrill (2010), along with Newby, highly regarded 2010 small forward prospect Shaquille Thomas and 2009 Nebraska commit Vander Joaquim are just some of the players that comprise the talented roster his season for the Falcons and coach Rob Fulford.

“This season is fun for me,” Newby said. “I got to learn more how to play both the point guard and shooting guard positions.”

“For the team, I think [we] clicked together as one and learned how to play together to win key games. We all work hard everyday at practice to be ready for the games.”

On the year, Newby has averaged approximately 13 points a game along with four rebounds and assists. While no Big East schools were listed by Newby, he has seen quote a bit of interest from schools out of the Big 12 and other high-major conferences.

“Nebraska, Baylor, Virginia Tech, Iowa State, Marshall, St. Joe’s, St. Bonaventure, Miami-Ohio, Fresno State, Duquense, Colorado and Western Carolina,” were schools mentioned by Newby as currently recruiting him. At this point, he indicated that “Nebraska, Baylor, St. Bonaventure [and] Marshall” are “sticking out” in the process.

It would not come as a big surprise to us if Newby’s list becomes longer before it becomes shorter. In the recent 2009 Primetime Shootout, Newby showed off his quick handle and threw down an athletic dunk in transition. When it is time to make a decision, he does have some pre-determined criteria that will factor into the choice.

“A place where I can call ‘home’, a place that’s dedicated to win a NCAA championship, great coaching staff and players, [and] also great in academics so I can earn a diploma,” Newby said.

Keep an eye on Jabs Newby, he just might be a major breakout performer during the upcoming travel season.

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