Isaiah Cottrell’s basketball story isn’t your typical rise—it’s one built on flashes of brilliance, moments of adversity, and a quiet determination that continues to keep him in the conversation.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Cottrell later made his mark in Las Vegas, where his game began to blossom. I’ve been tracking Isaiah since his middle school days, and even back then, he stood out from the crowd. A skilled forward with a soft shooting touch, a natural feel for the game, and a pro-ready frame—his potential was never in question.
As he rose through the ranks, Isaiah quickly established himself as one of the most promising big men in the nation. By the time he graduated high school, he had earned consensus five-star recruit status. Coaches and scouts around the country took notice of his rare skill set—he could knock down shots from the perimeter, bang down low with strength, and defend multiple positions. He was the prototype for today’s modern big.
Isaiah’s college journey began at West Virginia, a program known for its toughness and competitive edge. But almost immediately, adversity struck. A significant injury forced him to redshirt his freshman season, and although he fought to get back on the floor, consistency remained just out of reach. Eventually, he transferred to UNLV, looking to rediscover his rhythm and reignite his career back home. Yet again, the injury bug lingered.
Still, one thing has never changed—his mindset. Isaiah is a high-character teammate. He’s mature beyond his years and carries a business-first mentality that sets him apart. He sees the bigger picture. He’s patient, focused, and understands the value of preparation and second chances.
Now, a fresh opportunity lies ahead.
Isaiah Cottrell is set to begin the next chapter of his basketball journey at Southern Utah University. The move puts him in a unique position to make a major impact. SUU was in real need of a versatile big who can score inside, stretch the floor, and serve as a difference-maker on both ends of the court. Isaiah fits that mold perfectly.
This is more than just another stop—this is a proving ground. A chance for Cottrell to show the basketball world what he’s still capable of. With a clean bill of health and the right situation, there’s still time for him to remind everyone why he was once among the elite in his class.
For me, covering Las Vegas basketball talent has always been about telling the full story—from early promise, through setbacks, to redemption. Isaiah Cottrell’s story is far from finished. From Florida roots to Vegas grind, to now a fresh start in Cedar City—this is a journey worth following.
And we’ll be here for every step of it.
🔍 Scouting Report: Isaiah Cottrell – Southern Utah Forward, West Virginia & UNLV Transfer
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height: 6’10″
Weight: 240 lbs
Class: Senior (1 year eligibility)
Previous Schools: West Virginia, UNLV
Current School: Southern Utah University
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida (Las Vegas basketball product)
📌 Athletic Profile & Physical Tools
Isaiah Cottrell has a prototypical frame for a modern stretch forward—standing 6’10” with broad shoulders, long arms, and a wide base that allows him to hold his ground inside. His size and touch give him clear pro potential when healthy. He moves well for a player his size and shows solid lateral mobility, especially in half-court settings.
Cottrell isn’t the most explosive athlete, but his skill set, feel for the game, and high basketball IQ help him remain impactful on both ends. With his physical strength and perimeter shooting ability, he creates matchup problems against smaller fours and slower-footed bigs.
🎯 Offensive Skill Set: Stretch Big with Touch and Versatility
Cottrell’s biggest strength offensively is his ability to stretch the floor. He’s a confident shooter from mid-range and has range out to the three-point line, particularly in pick-and-pop situations. He’s capable of spacing the floor or operating out of the high post, where he can either shoot or make smart decisions with the ball.
He shows excellent touch around the rim and is efficient on drop-offs, offensive rebounds, and short-roll action. Though not a traditional back-to-the-basket scorer, Cottrell has a soft turnaround jumper and a right-hand hook that he uses to punish smaller defenders.
His passing is underrated—he’s not afraid to move the ball or make the extra read, and he rarely forces offense. In the right system, he could thrive as a high-IQ floor-spacing big.
🧱 Defensive Strengths: Positional Versatility and Team Awareness
Defensively, Isaiah uses his length and strong frame to anchor post matchups and switch in spots. He’s not a shot-blocking specialist, but he positions himself well and plays with solid verticality when contesting shots in the paint.
He communicates on the floor, rotates early, and has a good understanding of help-side responsibilities. While injuries have impacted his lateral quickness at times, his ability to defend in space and use his body to wall up remains a strength.
Cottrell also rebounds well in traffic and boxes out with discipline—something Southern Utah will lean on heavily this season.
🧠 Basketball IQ & Intangibles
Isaiah Cottrell plays with poise and patience—he doesn’t get sped up and understands where he fits within an offense. His maturity and professionalism have stood out across his career, even when injuries sidelined him.
Coaches and teammates speak highly of his leadership qualities, humility, and work ethic. He has a strong mental approach and a business-minded demeanor, treating each opportunity with a clear sense of purpose.
🧩 Fit at Southern Utah & Long-Term Projection
At Southern Utah, Cottrell steps into a program that needs his versatility, size, and scoring ability. He’ll be expected to take on a leadership role while providing interior scoring, floor spacing, and rim protection. His skill set fits naturally in a system that values bigs who can shoot, pass, and defend multiple positions.
If he can stay healthy and play with confidence, Isaiah has the potential to be one of the most productive forwards in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and reestablish himself as a legitimate pro prospect—whether in the G League or overseas.
📈 Why He’s a Must-Watch in 2025–26
- Former five-star recruit with pro-level tools
- Stretch big who can shoot, pass, and rebound
- High character leader with strong basketball IQ
- Fresh start at SUU with a major opportunity to shine
- Las Vegas basketball product with unfinished business
Unit 1 Hoop Source 