West Virginia University’s basketball program has resumed its high school recruiting efforts after returning from their successful trip to Italy. This weekend, the Mountaineers extended a scholarship offer to 2025 point guard Lino Mark, a highly touted prospect from Sherman Oaks, California. The news was shared by Mark himself on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Lino Mark, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 165 pounds, is a standout guard at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, CA. He has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive world of high school basketball. According to 247Sports, Mark holds a three-star rating and an overall score of 88, ranking him as the No. 27 point guard in the 2025 recruiting class and the 16th best player in the basketball-rich state of California. His performances with the Oakland Soldiers on the EYBL circuit have further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising guards in his class.
WVU’s offer to Mark is significant, marking roughly the 55th scholarship offer that has been extended by head coach Darian DeVries since his arrival in Morgantown. DeVries, who has already shown a keen eye for recruiting talent, appears committed to building a robust roster for the future, with a particular focus on dynamic backcourt players.
Mark’s recruitment is heating up, with offers from over 10 Division I programs, including several from high-major schools. WVU now joins a competitive list that features Washington State, Utah, TCU, SMU, and Arizona State, among others. Mark has also scheduled official visits to USC, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Utah, and TCU in the coming months, indicating that his decision-making process is well underway.
For West Virginia, the pursuit of Mark is part of a broader strategy to secure top talent in the 2025 class. Coach DeVries has already signed two promising guards during his tenure at WVU: KJ Tenner and Jonathan Powell, both of whom are set to join the team as freshmen in the 2024 season. Mark is one of many targets on WVU’s radar as they look to build a strong foundation for the future.
The offer to Mark signals WVU’s ongoing commitment to recruiting high-caliber talent from across the country. With the Mountaineers looking to maintain their competitive edge in the Big 12 and beyond, securing players like Lino Mark could be crucial to their long-term success. The next few months will be telling, as Mark’s official visits could shape his final decision and potentially lead to a new chapter in his basketball journey at West Virginia University.
