Akok Akok Ready For New Challenge and Role with West Virginia

WVU’s Akok Akok recently returned to the team three weeks ago after dealing with a medical issue at the beginning of the season. Now with big man Jesse Edwards out for about four weeks with a fractured wrist, West Virginia will need Akok to step up and play the center position, giving him a new role in the meantime.

“When [Edwards] went down, I didn’t know immediately that he would be out with that time frame with that injury. Once I knew what was going on I knew I had to step up,” Akok said.

“When I first came here, one of the first things coach [Eilert] said was you got to guard multiple positions and play the four and the five when Jesse comes out of the game,” Akok added. “I think I’m just living up to the expectations.”

In his second game at the center position, Akok recorded nine points, 12 rebounds and two blocks in 24 minutes vs. Toledo on Saturday. Akok has had quite the journey this season already after collapsing on the floor during WVU’s exhibition game in late October. After much precaution with his health, Akok has been working on his conditioning. WVU interim HC Josh Eilert has been getting Akok back to speed slowly as his minutes increase.

“My teammates had me the whole time just uplifting me every day through practice,” Akok said following the Toledo win. “I know the process of coming back. You can’t just come back 30 minutes a game. They’ll build you up so just trusting the coaching staff, medical team and my teammates to just get back to what I was.”

Akok is averaging 4.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks through five games. Akok has increased his minutes game-by-game, playing eight vs. Pitt and now up to 24 minutes this past weekend. West Virginia will continue to need Akok’s experience in the frontcourt heading into Big 12 play.