Bob Huggins Confident WVU G Jose Perez Stays: ‘I Don’t Think There’s Any Doubt’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins was asked about his thoughts on if WVU G Jose Perez would return next season. Perez was ruled ineligible by the NCAA in December with his appeal denied just weeks later.

Perez has the option to return next season for his final year of eligibility.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt [Perez leaves],” Huggins said on Friday.

“He likes it here. But how many people have you known that didn’t like it here? People are good to you here,” Huggins added. “You have a great place to play, you play in the best league in the country, and you’re on TV all the time. What’s not to like?”

Perez committed to West Virginia back in late October, just a week before the season started. The multi-time transfer entered the transfer portal that same week after his head coach Steve Masiello was fired at Manhattan. Perez chose West Virginia over Georgia Tech, Louisville, Mississippi State, Missouri, North Carolina State and TCU.

Perez averaged 18.9 points 3.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists for Manhattan last season. The New York native was named the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year before entering the portal.

Perez enrolled at WVU for the spring semester and was still denied access to playing for the Mountaineers. Perez has been allowed to practice with the team since mid-Decmeber. The 6-foot-5 guard is anxiously waiting for his opportunity to play at West Virginia.

“I have won at every level. Just a winner, I see myself as a winner. I do whatever it takes,” Perez told WV Sports Now back in October. “I came in as a freshman at Gardner-Webb, directly to the tournament. I know how to win.”

Perez has one year of eligibility.