3 Things to Know Before WVU vs. George Mason

West Virginia will host George Mason in a charity exhibition game on Friday night at the WVU Coliseum. Let’s take a look at three things to know before the contest.

Beginning of New Era

West Virginia Basketball looks to begin a new era this season, with Bob Huggins outside of the program for the first time in 16 years. WVU interim HC Josh Eilert has received his opportunity to lead the program. Eilert and his staff will make their case to WVU AD Wren Baker on why they should remain at West Virginia after this season.

WVU has a new-look team built through the transfer portal. Syracuse transfer Jesse Edwards and Arizona transfer Kerr Kriisa lead the way with one of the top transfer classes in the country. Edwards and Kriisa will have help from Quinn Slazinski (Iona transfer), Akok Akok (Georgetown transfer), Seth Wilson (returning) and others.

West Virginia will open the season against Missouri State on Monday, Nov. 6.

No Battle for WVU

WVU G RaeQuan Battle will not participate during Friday’s exhibition as the NCAA ruled him ineligible to play earlier this week. Battle is a multi-time transfer who has played at Montana State and Washington during his career.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey have both reacted to the news saying that they will get involved. Justice announced on Thursday that he plans on writing a letter to the NCAA to rethink their decision.

Battle’s waiver status is critical to West Virginia as the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 17.7 points at Montana State last season. The Tulip, Wa. native scored 27 points against Kansas State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Battle was named to the All-Big Sky First Team during his senior year.

Where to Watch

West Virginia and George Mason will tip off at 7 p.m. inside the WVU Coliseum on Friday. The Mountaineers and Patriots will be on ESPN+.