Four-Star Kansas Guard Rakease Passmore Commits to West Virginia Under Coach Rich Rodriguez
In a stunning and headline-grabbing move that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, four-star guard Rakease Passmore from Wichita, Kansas, has announced his commitment to West Virginia University, choosing the Mountaineers over powerhouse programs such as Kansas, Kentucky, and Arkansas. This unexpected decision comes in the wake of Rich Rodriguez’s surprise transition from the football field back to college athletics—but this time, as head coach of West Virginia’s men’s basketball program.
Passmore, a 6-foot-5 combo guard known for his high-octane athleticism, slashing ability, and ferocious defensive tenacity, made the announcement via a livestream that drew nearly 70,000 viewers. Dressed in a crisp navy suit with subtle gold accents, he unzipped his jacket to reveal a bold WVU jersey underneath, setting off a social media firestorm.
“I believe in the vision Coach Rodriguez has,” Passmore said confidently. “He’s a winner, plain and simple. Whether it’s football or basketball, he understands how to build culture, discipline, and fight. That’s the kind of program I want to lead.”
This marks the first high-profile basketball commitment under the newly-minted Coach Rodriguez, who stunned sports media just months ago by accepting the reins of West Virginia’s basketball program after decades as a football coach, including a previous run as WVU’s head football coach from 2001 to 2007. His appointment was met with skepticism, but his emphasis on toughness, speed, and aggressive full-court defense has already sparked a cultural overhaul in Morgantown.
Passmore is a perfect fit for Rodriguez’s unorthodox, press-heavy “40 Minutes of Fury” system, which borrows elements from the football coach’s famed spread offense—translated now into motion-heavy fast breaks and chaos-inducing traps. Scouts have noted that Passmore thrives in transition, often turning defensive rebounds into thunderous dunks or flashy assists. At Sunrise Christian Academy, he averaged 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game during his senior year, while shooting 39% from three-point range.
Recruiting analysts believe Passmore’s commitment could trigger a domino effect among other top prospects, many of whom have expressed interest in Rodriguez’s radical new program. West Virginia, a team that struggled to find its identity post-Huggins era, now looks like it’s writing a thrilling new chapter.
Rodriguez addressed the media shortly after the commitment, energized and defiant. “They said I didn’t belong in basketball. Well, I just signed one of the best guards in the country. This is just the beginning.”
Meanwhile, the WVU fan base, long hungry for resurgence, has embraced the chaos with open arms. The Coliseum is expected to sell out every game this season, and rumors are already swirling about a Midnight Madness event featuring a full scrimmage between the football and basketball teams—quarterbacks versus guards.
With Passmore in gold and blue, and Rodriguez orchestrating the symphony, West Virginia’s basketball revival isn’t just a possibility—it’s a storm on the horizon.
