WVU Interim HC Josh Eilert Discusses Transfer Portal Departures

WVU interim head coach Josh Eilert was introduced officially on Monday afternoon by director of athletics Wren Baker. Eilert was asked about the recent departures within the basketball program and how to move going forward.

“These are 18-23 year olds. There’s a lot of uncertainty in their lives right now. There’s a lot of options in their life. The biggest message that I have and our staff is we care about them. We want to reassure them that this is a great place for them,” Eilert said. “I don’t want to hinder them in any way if they feel like they have another opportunity that would be better suited for them. I’m going to give them that opportunity.”

Eilert has had an eventual first few days on the job. Before even officially in an interim role, Kerr Kriisa, Tre Mitchell and Joe Toussaint all entered the transfer portal on Friday. 48 hours later, Eilert was able to get Kriisa to exit the portal. Mitchell ended up committing to Kentucky while Toussaint is exploring options.

It wasn’t over, yet. West Virginia lost two big men on Monday in James Okonkwo and Mohamed Wague.

Eilert ensured that the recent departures aren’t going to affect the team’s goals next season.

“We’ve got something special. We’ve got a special group of individuals, a special admissiatration, a special staff. We can do something really neat here and turn this thing around. Turn the page and keep the tradition alive of Mountaineer culture,” Eilert said.

Eilert and his staff will have their hands full over the next few weeks as they look to retool the roster around what’s left.

Watch: Wren Baker, Josh Eilert on Coaching Search, Upcoming WVU Basketball Season