Bob Huggins, Erik Stevenson React to NCAA Denying Perez’s Waiver

West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins and guard Erik Stevenson reacted to the NCAA denying Jose Perez’s waiver for eligibility. Perez’s denial was ruled on Friday night.

“We are disappointed by the news that we received this afternoon from the NCAA,” Huggins said in a press release. “All of Mountaineer Basketball is hurting for Jose. We plan to appeal this decision.”

Huggins has given Perez high praise during his short time in Morgantown so far. The Hall of Fame coach isn’t worried how Perez will fit in with his new team.

Stevenson spoke with the media before the news broke, calling the NCAA’s decision timing “BS.”

“I’m just waiting on the NCAA to pull their heads out and make a decision,” Stevenson said Friday afternoon. “I think it’s BS, to be honest.”

While at Wichita State, Stevenson played against Perez’s Gardner-Webb team back in 2019. Stevenson knows Perez as the quiet veteran that’s looking to make the best of his final year of college.

Stevenson reacted on Twitter after the NCAA denial.

“That’s pathetic! If he was wearing a couple other jerseys… nevermind,” Stevenson wrote.

A source told WV Sports Now that WVU’s basketball program will immediately appeal the decision by the NCAA. As of right now, Perez is cleared to play for the 2023-24 season. West Virginia will try to get the mid-season waiver cleared. Perez will be eligible to practice with the team starting on Saturday.