Report: West Virginia dismisses transfer guard Jose Perez

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•09/30/23

It has been an offseason to forget for West Virginia basketball. Unfortunately, on Saturday, the program received some more bad news. According to Jeff Goodman of The Messenger, fifth-year guard Jose Perez is no longer with the team.

“West Virginia interim coach Josh Eilert has parted ways with guard Jose Perez, source told The Messenger. Source told me it was partially due to academics,” said Goodman via X.

Perez was one of many West Virginia players who entered into the transfer portal following the resignation of longtime head coach Bob Huggins. However, instead of leaving for greener pastures like those at other elite programs that recruited him, such as Oregon, Gonzaga, and Michigan, he decided to remain at West Virginia with Eilert.

This upcoming season would have been Perez’s first opportunity to see the court as a Mountaineer. He transferred into the program prior to last season but was unable to receive a waiver to play from the NCAA. The last season Perez saw action on the court was in 2021-2022 at Manhattan. There, for the Jaspers, the super senior combo guard finished the year averaging 18.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

West Virginia guard Omar Silverio will not play this season

The Mountaineers took a hit in their depth department at guard earlier in the offseason for a completely, yet familiar reason. The NCAA denied Omar Silverio’s request for a waiver to play this season, West Virginia head basketball coach Josh Eilert announced on Thursday evening on the Mountaineers website.

“I know Omar is disappointed that he won’t be able to compete this season as a Mountaineer and that his collegiate career is over,” Eilert said in the press release. “He is a wonderful person, and I know he will be successful in whatever career path he chooses. All of us enjoyed our time with him, and we wish him well.”

Silverio last played at Hofstra two seasons ago. He entered the transfer portal just before the 2022-2023 season started because the Jaspers fired head coach Steve Masiello. He averaged 10.9 points and 3.3 rebounds while playing for Hofstra.

Silverio also shot 36 percent from beyond-the-arc. He’s a native of the Dominican Republic.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.