WVU F Akok Akok (health) has been out of action for the Mountaineers since collapsing on the floor on Oct. 27 against George Mason. It has been a very cautious situation for West Virginia and doctors to monitor but it appears that a return could be coming soon, according to interim HC Josh Eilert.
“That’s all up to the medical people. It’s trending in a positive direction. I think you’ll see him in the coming weeks, for sure,” Eilert said on Tuesday morning.
Akok was admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital after collapsing on the floor in the second half during the George Mason exhibition. Akok was on the court for about 13 minutes with the medical team before being stretchered out of the coliseum. Eilert provided updates the following days mentioning that Akok was at home and was receiving treatment. Ever since, Akok has been tested by medical staff.
It is unknown to what extend Akok can participate at. Eilert wouldn’t even get into that.
“I’m not going to get into what he can and can’t do. I’m just happy for him in where it’s going. It could’ve been drastically different for him,” Eilert said. “You worry when something like that happens, basketball is 90% of your life and you have to take that away from him. I don’t think that’s going to be the case whatsoever.”
Akok is in his first season at West Virginia and his final year of college basketball. Akok transferred in from Georgetown and began his career at UConn. West Virginia has missed Akok’s presence and depth to this team as Jesse Edwards, Quinn Slazinski and Patrick Suemnick are the only frontcourt players available.
WVU sits at 3-4 as they host Pitt in the Backyard Brawl on Wednesday night. The Mountaineers and Panthers will tipoff at 9 p.m. on ESPN2.
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