Is Huggins Allowed to Be Around? Will WVU Honor Him? Baker Has Answers

Bob Huggins didn't get the opportunity to go out the way he wanted. He didn't know that the last time he won a game at the WVU Coliseum, it would be the last time he would hear Country Roads playing following a game he coached.

The Hall of Famer had a series of events take place over the span of a month this offseason that led to his resignation. His departure was sudden and disappointing for Mountaineer fans, who were unable to share their gratitude for his near two decades of success at WVU.

Athletic director Wren Baker made sure to point out during his press conference Monday afternoon that they will indeed do something to recognize Huggins' contributions to the basketball program and university in the future.

"He's an important part of our history. We're going to honor and recognize that in an appropriate way as we move forward. The last couple months is, I know not what he wanted to happen. Certainly isn't something we wanted to happen but it is what it is and time has a way of healing all wounds. And I think as time goes along, there will be more focus on all of the positive things that happened here during his time. And what's happened the last few weeks will not impact my relationship with him and I don't think it will have much of an impact with the university's relationship with him."

Speaking of the university's relationship, how do they feel about Huggins being around the program this upcoming season? Are they okay with him showing up to practices or games?

"I don't think I would ever say, 'hey, I think you need to stay away.' I think when you have somebody like that who the fans love, that's not the right course of action," Baker stated. "My only encouragement to him was to get healthy. And I think with Josh being our interim coach, I know that he cares a lot for Josh, so he won't want to do anything but support Josh. And part of supporting Josh is letting Josh lead and coach and not feel like there's this legend looking over your shoulder. I don't think anybody will have to have a conversation about that with him. He's coached a long time, he understands that and he wants Josh to be successful. But no, there hasn't been any nor would there be any requests from me for any kind of period like that."

Had West Virginia replaced Huggins with an external candidate outside of his coaching tree, I believe he may have voluntarily stayed away for a while to not be a distraction or even cause friction. With his replacement being someone he spent the past 17 years with, I'm sure he'll make a few appearances and assist Eilert if asked to do so. Being a first-time head coach comes with a lot of challenges, especially when you don't get the job until late June.

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