Bob Huggins Comments on Perez’s Denied Appeal: ‘They Don’t Know What the Hell They’re Doing’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins commented on Jose Perez’s wavier being denied, saying the NCAA doesn’t know what they’re doing.

“Extremely unfortunate,” Huggins said. “I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying it but they don’t know what the hell they’re doing.”

CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that Perez’s appeal was denied the NCAA on Wednesday night, making him ineligible to play with West Virginia this season. Perez has one year of eligibility remaining and can finish his collegiate career during the 2023-24 basketball season.

The decision comes two weeks after the appeal was sent by West Virginia’s basketball program. Perez’s initial waiver was denied on Dec. 16.

Perez committed to WVU in late October after his head coach Steve Masiello was dismissed at Manhattan. West Virginia got in contact with Perez just hours after his transfer portal entry and landed a commitment from him five days later. Perez enrolled for WVU’s spring semester in mid-November but was not allowed to practice with the team until Dec. 17.

“I’m against anything that hurts young people,” Huggins said. “I’m against anything that takes away a chance for a young person to succeed in life. This guy is a good student, he’s a good kid.”

Perez spent the last season at Manhattan, averaging 18.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The guard shot 40 percent from the field, 26 percent from three and 80 percent from the free-throw line. Before his time at Manhattan, Perez played for Gardner-Webb and Marquette.

It’s unknown what’s next for Perez. Huggins pointed out that both parties understand that WVU’s basketball program did everything in their power to fight for Perez. But for now, Perez will have to sit out until next season.