WVU’s Wren Baker Talks State of Basketball Program, Bob Huggins

West Virginia AD Wren Baker met with the media on Thursday to discuss various topics within the University. Baker was asked about how he can evaluate interim basketball head coach Josh Eilert when the program has had a lot of hurdles.

Baker says it means more than the win total to him since he sees more that goes on compared to the common fan.

“It’s like an iceberg and you see the tip of it. You see what happens out there on game day,” Baker said. “I get the chance to see the entire iceberg. I’m there every day. I know the behind-the-scenes of the battles that have been faced, some that you’re aware of and some you’re not even aware of.”

West Virginia is currently 4-7 following a loss on Wednesday night to Radford. WVU has had many things go on such as RaeQuan Battle’s waiver, Kerr Kriisa’s suspension, Akok Akok’s health issue, Jesse Edwards’ fractured wrist, among other things. Baker wants to see the full season before making a decision on Eilert.

“They’ve only played a third of their games. It certainly has been a season that has met full of challenges,” Baker added. “I’ve been clear that I think coach Eilert has handled most, if not all of those challenges well. He’ll have my full support throughout this season and at the conclusion of the season we’ll decide where we go from there.”

Eilert and his staff have dealt with trying to retool the program after Bob Huggins resigned in June. Huggins was arrested for DUI and resigned the following day. Huggins and his attorneys began legal trouble with WVU but that noise has quieted down.

“I haven’t had a chance to speak with coach [Huggins] since shortly after he stepped down but as far as I know, there’s been nothing new. That’s been fairly resolved,” Baker said. “I’ll say it again, I have a lot of respect and appreciation for what coach has done here. There will probably be a time and place where he and I will have a chance to catch up. I think he’s been busy with things, I’ve been busy with things. I just haven’t had a chance to visit with him.”

West Virginia men’s basketball will host Toledo on Saturday as they look to head into Christmas in the win column.