Emmitt Matthews Officially Signs With West Virginia

Washington transfer Emmitt Matthews Jr. has officially signed to come back to play at West Virginia. Matthews played at WVU from 2018-21 and will finish out his collegiate career with the Mountaineers.

WVU’s basketball program made the NLI signing official on Wednesday afternoon.

“We are extremely excited to have Emmitt back as a Mountaineer,” Huggins said in a statement. “He is a great teammate who made countless big plays at crunch time during his three years here. We look forward to having his athleticism and shot-making ability around the perimeter in addition to his rebounding at both ends of the floor. His experience will be invaluable.”

🚨Signing Alert 🚨 @CoachHuggs has announced the return of @THEDOOSKIE ‼️

▶️ https://t.co/TeNTmRYm8a#HailWV pic.twitter.com/Moqp6FrtYh

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) May 18, 2022

Matthews transferred back to West Virginia on April 29 after spending one season back at home in Washington.

“I think going to another school and learning a new system is hard to do. I know the system, the play style and the coaching,” Matthews told Metro News. “I didn’t burn any bridges when I left. Hopefully, we can get Huggs a title.”

During his sole year at Washington, Matthews (6-foot-7, 215 pounds) averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. The Tacoma, Wa., native shot 43 percent from the field, 34 percent from three and 76 percent from the free-throw line. Matthews played 92 games for West Virginia, helping the Mountaineers reach the 2021 NCAA Tournament, earning a 3-seed.

Matthews will have one year of eligibility remaining. This marks the second time Matthews has transferred but he will not have to sit out due to being a graduate transfer.