WVU G Kerr Kriisa Suspended 9 Games; Will Miss Game vs. Pitt

(Ethan Bock From West Virginia Sports Now):

WVU G Kerr Kriisa will be suspended for nine games during the 2023-24 regular season for receiving impermissible benefits while being enrolled at Arizona, West Virginia basketball announced on Tuesday.

Kriisa will still be allowed to practice and travel with the team during his suspension.

Here’s the full statement from WVU Athletics:

“In late August 2023, West Virginia University learned of a potential eligibility concern for men’s basketball transfer student-athlete Kerr Kriisa, who admitted to receiving impermissible benefits while enrolled at the University of Arizona. West Virginia worked cooperatively with the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Staff to reach an appropriate resolution. As a result of his actions, Kriisa will miss nine (9) 2023-2024 regular season games as part of his eligibility reinstatement. Kriisa will be able to continue to practice and travel with the team during his suspension from competition. He accepts responsibility for his actions at Arizona and looks forward to joining his Mountaineer teammates on the floor.”

Kriisa (6-foot-3) is preparing to begin his first season at West Virginia after transferring from Arizona this offseason. Kriisa served as a full-time starter for the last two years under Tommy Lloyd. Kriisa, a native of Estonia, averaged 9.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists this past season. Kriisa was second in the Pac-12 in total assists and also shot 37 percent from three. Kriisa has appeared in the last two NCAA Tournaments for Arizona, reaching the Sweet-16 last year.

During the offseason, Kriisa was originally recruited by Bob Huggins and decided to re-open his recruitment after Huggins resigned. Kriisa committed back to West Virginia under Eilert’s staff.

“It was a messy week for sure. I committed to coach Bob Huggins and when he was gone, I felt everybody deserved a chance to recruit me again, including Josh Eilert. I need to make sure how Josh needs [of] me and wants to do here,” Kriisa said in early October.

Kriisa has two years of eligibility remaining.