West Virginia forward Akok Akok collapses during scrimmage vs. George Mason
West Virginia forward Akok Akok appeared to collapse during Friday night’s game against George Mason. He was walking to the bench with 15:56 to play in the half and went down to the court, where he was tended to by the medical staff.
According to The Voice of Motown, Akok attempted to get up, but remained on the court while the EMTs came out. He later left on a stretcher after the staff tended to him for some time, according to Metro News’ Greg Carey. Play was set to resume five minutes after he left the court.
The Mountaineers and Patriots were playing in a charity exhibition with proceeds benefitting the WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital.
West Virginia then released a statement on the situation, confirming Akok was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital.
“Akok Akok suffered a medical emergency during the second half of tonight’s charity exhibition game,” the statement read. “He was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further observation. More information will be provided when available.”
Akok is preparing for his first season with West Virginia after transferring from Georgetown. With the Hoyas last year, he averaged 6.5 points and 6.2 rebounds before entering the transfer portal and making his way to Morgantown.
Out of Putnam Science Academy (CT), Akok was a four-star recruit and the No. 70-ranked prospect in the nation from the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
West Virginia went through plenty of changes over the offseason
Akok was part of a loaded transfer class for West Virginia this year, which started under former coach Bob Huggins and largely stuck around after Josh Eilert took the reins. The Mountaineers brought in the best group of transfers in the country, according to the On3 College Basketball Team Transfer Portal Rankings, with eight players coming to town via the portal.
The headliner of the class is former Syracuse center Jesse Edwards, who came in as the No. 14-ranked player to hit the portal this cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. Former Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa wasn’t far behind him at No. 17.
Of course, the biggest change in Morgantown is the fact that Huggins is out and Eilert is in. The Hall of Famer resigned in light of a DUI arrest in June, and the university named Eilert the interim head coach for this season because of the timing.
West Virginia is set to open the 2023-24 season Nov. 6 against Missouri State. The Mountaineers were picked ninth in the Big 12 preseason poll earlier this month, and Edwards was named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection.