WVU F Akok Akok (health) is cleared to return to the floor against Pitt, per release. Akok received several expert opinions and is now allowed to make his WVU debut.
Akok was admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital after collapsing on the floor in the second half during the George Mason exhibition on Oct. 27. Akok was on the court for about 13 minutes with the medical team before being stretchered out of the coliseum. WVU interim HC Josh Eilert has provided updates throughout Akok’s recovery.
“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 on Tuesday. “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 is currently without guard RaeQuan Battle as well after his waiver appeal was denied last Tuesday. WVU is also without guard Kerr Kriisa until Dec. 16 as he serves his nine-game suspension for receiving unauthorized benefits while enrolled at Arizona.
WVU will host Pitt in the 190th edition of the Backyard Brawl on Wednesday. The Mountaineers and Panthers will tipoff at 9 p.m. on ESPN2.
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