WVU Basketball

WVU’s Josh Eilert ‘Hasn’t Lost Hope’ with Battle’s Immediate Eligibility

Published

6 months ago

November 24, 2023

WVU interim HC Josh Eilert was able to comment for the first time to the media about RaeQuan Battle’s denied appeal from the NCAA. Eilert hasn’t lost hope for Battle’s immediate eligibility despite having initial and appeal waivers denied.

“I haven’t lost all hope for RaeQuan. I still think there’s a possibility to see RaeQuan,” Eilert said on Friday morning.

The NCAA denied Battle’s appeal on Tuesday in-between their games in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Battle is a 6-foot-5 transfer from Montana State who has had problems with his mental health over the years. The NCAA has known about those issues from WVU’s submitted letters. Eilert further elaborated about Battle and the NCAA’s decision.

“What’s best for RaeQuan isn’t happening by the NCAA. It’s a shame to see a kid who thrives on hope and thrives on the game of basketball in his life. To be able to compete, the people he inspires in the Tulalip Reservation and the people of his tribe. It’s dragging on him. It’s a huge drag on him. I feel like he’s starting to lose that hope. I worry like hell for RaeQuan and his mindset. It’s sad, it’s really sad especially considering he was the only Native American to play in the NCAA Tournament last year,” Eilert said. “I hate to say it like this, but sometimes I think if it was a blind resume of sorts with some of these waivers I think we would’ve gotten it approved. It’s a shame, it’s a complete shame. To talk about the wellness of a student-athlete, and I don’t think they’ve at one point denied the fact that we have a mental health situation in this regard, and the fact that the NCAA denied it twice is a cry and shame, if you ask me.”

For now, Battle is ineligible for this season and can play during the 2024-25 season. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is currently coordinating with Battle’s attorney. WVU’s staff is also working on trying to get Battle to play immediately still. WV Sports Now will keep you up to date on Battle’s eligibility.