Eilert Mentions of ‘Agents’ Contacting RaeQuan Battle

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU interim HC Josh Eilert mentioned outsiders contacting guard RaeQuan Battle following a loss to Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. Eilert specifically used the word “agents” when describing who is contacting Battle to lure him away from West Virginia.

“There are a lot of people in the game of basketball that want to profit off of kids. Certainly, he can make money playing basketball. I don’t think that’s a secret. He’s a very good basketball player,” Eilert said. “Yes, I’ve had conversations with his mother, himself, people that want to profit off of him. Agents in particular that continue to hit him up. They try to pull him away so he can play the game of basketball.”

Eilert said that he would never advise Battle to leave his education to make money now. Eilert thinks it’s best for Battle to play basketball while getting his education.

“From my standpoint, what makes zero sense is does a kid has to choose between an education and basketball. He wants basketball in his life, he wants an education. So here we are, at a point where he has to make that decision,” Eilert added. “Right now he’s holding onto the hope that something can change here and he can still play basketball and still get his education.”

Eilert went on to talk about how time is not necessarily ticking but it’s something to monitor.

“Don’t think for a second there are people out there trying to pull him in a different direction, pull him away from education,” Eilert said.

Battle has yet to make his debut with West Virginia as the NCAA denied his transfer waiver twice. Battle has since mentioned that he will keep fighting until he’s able to play basketball again. The two-time transfer by way of Washington and Montana State is potentially taking legal action against the NCAA. For now, Battle is eligible during the 2024-25 season.