Eilert Explains Why WVU F Akok Akok Was Inactive vs. BYU

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia interim HC Josh Eilert was asked by the media why WVU F Akok Akok was inactive vs. BYU on Saturday night. Eilert had an answer but wouldn’t go fully into detail about Akok’s situation.

“A medical issue. They weren’t comfortable with him going at this time,” Eilert said. “I can’t get into the specifics. It had nothing to do with him personally or my decision whatsoever.”

“I don’t anticipate him missing another game at this point,” Eilert added.

Eilert was then asked if it had to do with Akok’s health scare from the preseason exhibition game in late October.

“I don’t want to get into that. Not my place,” Eilert said.

Akok was admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital after collapsing on the floor in the second half against George Mason. Akok was on the court for about 13 minutes with the medical team before being stretchered out of the Coliseum. Eilert has provided updates throughout Akok’s recovery. Akok then missed about five weeks of the regular season, returning against Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. Akok had played 14 straight games before Saturday and appears to be back in basketball shape.

Akok joined the team on the floor towards the end of warmups but wasn’t shooting around, just stretching here and there. Akok sat on the bench for the entirety of WVU’s loss to the Cougars.

Akok is averaging 4.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 16.8 minutes per game. Akok transferred to West Virginia from Georgetown in August to finish out his college basketball eligibility.

West Virginia will get a full week off before traveling to Austin, Texas to take on the Longhorns. WVU and Texas will tip off at 3 p.m. on the Longhorn Network next Saturday. WV Sports Now will provide updates on Akok when available.