West Viriginia basketball announced Akok Akok is home, recovering after scary on-court collapse
The West Virginia basketball program announced Akok Akok returned home after collapsing on the court.
“UPDATE: Akok Akok is recovering at his home in Morgantown,” the statement read. “He will continue to be monitored and evaluated by our medical team.”
The incident occurred Friday during West Virginia’s scrimmage against George Mason. Akok walked 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 benefiting 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.”
West Virginia interim head coach Josh Eilert then met with reporters and said Akok is “in a good place” after the incident.
“Found out good news,” Eilert said, via Shoemaker. “He’s stable, he’s responsive. He wanted to make sure he congratulated his teammates and he’s in a good place right now. They’re probably going to be holding him overnight and do some testing”
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.
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.
Nick Schultz contributed to this report