Eilert: 'The RaeQuan Battle Situation is Certainly Not Dead'

West Virginia's roster is riddled with guys unavailable to play be it due to injury, suspension, or the NCAA making absurd decisions regarding a player's eligibility. The lack of bodies is forcing WVU head coach Josh Eilert to stick to mainly a six-man rotation, meaning several guys are playing over 30 minutes per game.

Friday morning, Eilert reiterated his optimism toward RaeQuan Battle playing this season despite the NCAA denying his waiver request and appeal.

"I haven't lost all hope for RaeQuan. I still think there's a possibility you see RaeQuan. I hope some things change in that regard. I'm an optimistic person, so I see down the road that we got help with Kerr (Kriisa) definitely. Maybe some of these testing things going on with Akok could give us an opportunity to see him back on the floor in some form or fashion. We're trying to figure that out in the meantime and the RaeQuan situation is certainly not dead. The only thing I do know is that Kerr is coming back in four games.

"What's best for RaeQuan is not happening by the NCAA. It's a shame to see a kid that drives on hope drives on having the game of basketball in his life and being able to compete and the people he inspires in the Tulalip Reservation and the people of his tribe, it's dragging on him. I feel like he's starting to lose that hope and I worry like hell for RaeQuan and his mindset. It's sad, especially considering he was the only Native American to play in the NCAA Tournament last year. I hate to say but if it was a blind resume of sorts with some of these waivers I feel like we would have got approved. It's a complete shame. Talk about the wellness of the student-athlete and I don't think at one point they've denied the fact that we have a mental health situation in this regard and the fact that the NCAA still denied it twice is a crying shame if you ask me."

Eilert stated a few days ago when the team was in Florida that attorneys are expected to get involved in the NCAA's ruling.

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