‘It’s A Fluid Situation’: Eilert on If Jesse Edwards Plays at UCF

Jesse Edwards, WVU’s big man, has been out of action since Dec. 16 with a fractured right wrist. Edwards recently had his brace removed and has returned to basketball activities. The 6-foot-11 center warmed up and was dressed against Kansas on Saturday.

WVU interim HC Josh Eilert had conversations with Edwards about going against the Jayhawks but the result was an emergency situation if Edwards was needed. Eilert spoke with the media over Zoom on Monday morning, leaving Edwards’ status for the UCF game up on the air.

“[Monday] when we travel down to Orlando, we’ll see where he’s at, what his comfort level is and throw him out there probably at some more five-on-five to see where he is,” Eilert said. “It’s a fluid situation. Not sure if he’ll go tomorrow or not but the good thing is Pat [Suemnick] is playing really well and giving us great minutes. We don’t have to force the issue as much as we probably would have maybe a week or so ago.”

Edwards returned to practice on Friday and participated in some five-on-five drills. The Syracuse transfer felt uncomfortable when guarding players with his right wrist.

“He got uncomfortable at one point trying to guard Big Ali [Ragab] in the post and we backed off as soon as he felt that uncomfort. We got to be careful with it and make sure we’re not pushing it too fast,” Eilert said.

During Edwards’ absence, WVU F Pat Suemnick has stepped up, averaging 11.3 points and 5.5 rebounds on 67% shooting. Eilert added that Edwards and Suemnick could play together on the floor when Edwards returns.

Edwards is averaging 14.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks through the first 10 games of the season. West Virginia and UCF will tip off at 7 p.m. in Orlando on Tuesday. WV Sports Now will provide updates on Edwards’ status when it becomes available.