WVU’s Josiah Harris Receives Praise from Eilert as a Graduating Sophomore

WVU F Josiah Harris is preparing for his sophomore year on the basketball court. But in the classroom, Harris is preparing to walk in December after completing his bachelor’s degree.

Harris, 20 years old, is majoring in communication studies. The Canton, Ohio native earned his associate’s degree as a high school junior and was able to get ahead of his academic schedule before coming to West Virginia.

“I brought it up the other day with him, we were getting some food and I said something about classes and how things are going. Every time I talk to him it’s an incredible story on how he can graduate that quickly being a sophomore in college,” WVU interim HC Josh Eilert said on Tuesday. “He looked at me and said, ‘they’re paying for it, why wouldn’t I take as many classes as I can?’ And you just don’t hear that from college athletes anymore. He’s taking advantage of what’s put in front of him. While someone is paying for it he’s going to take as many classes as possible and get the best possible education.”

“That’s a beautiful thing and that’s refreshing to hear in 2023. So I hope he comes out here with two really good degrees and maybe even an emphasis somewhere else,” Eilert added.

On the basketball court, Harris appeared in 17 games averaging 1.8 points in 6.5 minutes as a freshman. Harris scored eight points on 3-of-4 shooting against Texas in Austin back in February. Harris has three years of basketball eligibility remaining.

“He does everything the right way. We’re excited to have Josiah Harris. I think Mountaineer Nation can hang their head on people like that and the way they conduct their business,” Eilert said.

Eilert has brought up Harris’ name as one of the Mountaineers standing out in practice. With the season just one month away, Harris will look for an increased role during the 2023-24 year.