Calipari inks first hoop recruit
From The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, April 28, 1988

Only one day after being named the 17th men's basketball head coach at the University of Massachusetts, John Calipari has already signed his first recruit.

Jim McCoy, a 6'3 guard/forward from Pittsburgh's Central Catholic High School, signed a letter of intent to attend UMass in the Fall.

“Jim McCoy is not only a great basketball player, but he's a great young man. He fits into the mold of the smooth athletic type we want at UMass,” Calipari said. “He'll be a solid player. He's not what you would call a savior for the program.”

McCoy, who averaged 21.9 points and 9.0 points¹⁾ per game for Central Catholic, was also recruited by Rutgers, Richmond, James Madison and Virginia. In addition to leading his school to the finals of the Pennsylvania state championship, McCoy was selected as a member of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Fabulous Five, and also played in the Dapper Dan Classic with nationally renowned prep stars Alonzo Mourning and Billy Owens.

McCoy was also named first team Associated Press All-State, and was the MVP of the AAAA Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League.