Can Eilert, Staff Lure Transfer Departures Back to WVU?

West Virginia basketball received good news on Josh Eilert’s first day serving as interim head coach with Kerr Kriisa removing his name from the transfer portal. WVU is still looking to convince Tre Mitchell and Joe Toussaint, who entered the transfer portal on Friday when there was no coaching decision.

Can Eilert and the coaching staff lure Mitchell and Toussaint back? The two are also considering a return to WVU, like Kriisa originally did.

**Update: WVU F Mohamed Wague has entered the transfer portal as of Monday at 10 a.m.

Tre Mitchell

Mitchell is currently wrapping up his visit to Kentucky on Monday as the Pittsburgh native wasted no time to get down to Lexington. Mitchell has been linked to UK since last week and within days went on his visit. Mitchell’s visit ends on Monday so perhaps a decision should be coming soon, maybe mid-week. Kentucky has a lot of momentum right now as they look to lock Mitchell in for his fifth season.

The senior forward played in all 34 games for the Mountaineers this past season averaging 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds on  percent shooting from the field and 36 percent from three. Mitchell is a graduate transfer and will not have to sit out next season if he transfers.

West Virginia can use Mitchell’s spacing next season as he can score at all three levels.

Joe Toussaint

Toussaint is beginning his tour of Big 12 visits this week with Kansas State and Texas Tech on the schedule. Toussaint will visit K-State from Monday to Wednesday and TTU from Wednesday to Friday. Expect both KSU and Texas Tech to throw out strong pitches to Toussaint. Expect Toussaint’s decision to be a longer wait, maybe by next weekend after the Lubbock trip. Toussaint’s decision may come down to his role as well as money.

Alabama is the latest school to contact Toussaint.

Toussaint played his sixth-man role well at WVU last season putting up 9.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Toussaint is also a graduate transfer and will be immediately eligible no matter where he goes.

West Virginia could be in some concern if they lose both Mitchell and Toussaint but they have other options remaining in the transfer portal. Luckily for West Virginia’s staff, they have the advantage with the relationships but it could be too late once the players hit the portal. WVU’s staff has been in contact with Rutgers grad transfer Paul Mulcahy all of June and hosted Seton Hall forward Alexis Yetna for a visit a few weeks ago.

West Virginia Basketball Transfer Portal Guide 2.0