Jacob Cofie signs with Virginia Cavaliers basketball in early signing period

Eastside Catholic's all-state forward is a four-star prospect, ranked No. 61 nationally in class of 2024

SAMMAMISH, Wash. - There was a time when Jacob Cofie couldn't even leave the bathroom during Eastside Catholic boys basketball practice.

As a ninth grader, he went up against the older standouts on the team, including JT Tuimoloau, Shane Nowell, Mo Jackson and Isaac Ticeson, and couldn't function properly.

He just couldn't win.

"He said to me, 'There is no way I am going to make it. These guys are just too good,'" Eastside Catholic boys coach Brent Merritt said.

Well, in the three years since then, it is safe to say the 6-foot-10 Cofie has made it.

The four-star recruit signed his letter of intent Wednesday to play at the University of Virginia. He is the No. 61 prospect nationally in the class of 2024.

He chose the Cavaliers and Tony Bennett last September after his official visit over hometown University of Washington.

"I like Tony Bennett. He is a great coach," Cofie said. "He can take my game to the next level. He’s really good at developing players, and I feel he will do that with me."

But first, he had to get the courage to leave the restroom to engage in defensive drills with his team three years ago.

"I was seeing my older peers … all do defensive drills at a crazy rate," Cofie said. "That was something I wasn’t ready for yet."

But as he grew, so did his desire to learn defense. In fact, that is what drew the Cavaliers to Cofie during the Nike EYBL's "Peach Jam" event last July.

"Once they saw me, they came to several games," Cofie said. "One-hundred percent it was because of my defense."

Merritt said the forward now can guard any player at any positions, from guard to center.

Cofie can also score, too. Last season as a junior, he was an SBLive WA all-state selection, averaging 18.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game in leading the Crusaders to a sixth-place showing at the Class 3A championships in the Tacoma Dome.

In a few months, he will take that vast skill to Virginia where he will play the likes of Duke and North Carolina.

"It wasn't that long ago when I just couldn't imagine," Cofie said, "playing on that big of a stage."