ASU G Jose Perez Praises Bob Huggins When Asked About West Virginia

Arizona State guard Jose Perez spoke with the media for the first time on Thursday since his odd parting of ways with West Virginia. Perez was with West Virginia’s program for 11 months but never played in a game after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA last year.

“Bob Huggins, he still calls me to this day to make sure I’m okay. He was the first person to call me when I came to play for coach Hurley. He said go do what I know you can do. Told me how he messed up and all that. He always got my back no matter what and he knows I went there to play for him,” Perez said.

Perez and West Virginia parted ways on Sept. 30 after the graduate transfer did not attend study hall. A rule was in place for Perez to attend study hall despite being a fifth-year senior. WVU interim HC Josh Eilert was quick to move on from Perez and focus on his season while the 6-foot-5 guard entered the transfer portal once again. Perez is now at ASU looking to complete his eligibility.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride. It hasn’t been the first time, I’ve been through three coaching firings,” Perez said. “I just had to adjust really fast, another obstacle in life you just got to overcome.”

Perez transferred to West Virginia in October 2022 after Manhattan head coach Steve Masiello was let go two weeks before the season started. Perez committed to WVU within days of entering the portal in hopes of playing this past season. The Bronx, NY native sat out the entirety of the 2022-23 season after being denied a waiver by the NCAA. Perez last played in the 2021-22 season with Manhattan, averaging 18.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Perez shot 40 percent from the field. Perez was named the Preseason MAAC Player of the Year.