The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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November 17, 2008

Kilicli makes it official

By Dave Morrison

For the 3,000 or so who turned out for the Oak Hill Academy-Mountain State Academy game to watch future Mountaineer Deniz Kilicli play, the question was obvious: Is this kid capable of playing in the Big East?

His 10-point, two-rebound performance against the Warriors in an 85-63 loss last Tuesday had heads shaking.

Less than a week later, Kilicli, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound power forward, made it official when he signed to play for Bob Huggins and West Virginia University.

Kilicli, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, actually sent the papers to West Virginia last week. But his official signing was in Beckley Monday, at Van Meter Gym.

And for those shaking their heads, patience, said MSA coach Rob Fulford.

“I think that is the key, just be patient,” Fulford said Monday. “That (the Oak Hill game) was one of those games where he got exposed for not understanding the game here. And it’s not like we were playing an average team. Would I have liked him to play better? Obviously. It would have opened a lot of things for us. But it’s coming. I have to remind myself to be patient. He can play in the Big East. He’s going to be a very good player in the Big East. And he’s going to start dominating at this level very soon.”

Huggins agreed.

“I don’t have a timetable (for Kilicli’s development),” Huggins said. “I thought he was exactly what we don’t have, and that’s a big body in the post. He has great strength, a great frame and he has great hands.”

Huggins was asked if Kilicli reminded him of any players in his storied coaching past.

“Joe Alexander,” Huggins said. “Joe had all the ability in the world. He just needed to learn how to play the game.”

Under Huggins’ tutelage, Alexander went from a bench player in late 2007 to NBA lottery pick in June 2008.

“I think it’s a great fit,” Fulford said of Kilicli’s going to WVU. “I think his style fits coach Huggins’ style of coaching. I think they’ll mesh very well once he gets used to the American style of basketball. He’s going to be good. He’ll be ready to play once he gets there. I think coach Huggins really sees him filling a void of not having any big-body post players.”

Mountain State Academy (2-1) plays at Mountain Mission (Va.) Saturday at 4 p.m.

— E-mail: demorrison@

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