Will Jose Perez Play for WVU in 2023-24 or Move On? Huggins Shares His Thoughts

Some insight on what the experienced guard may do.

Jose Perez was a late addition to the West Virginia basketball roster but because of having already used his one-time transfer, by rule, Perez was forced to sit out this season.

WVU filed a waiver on Perez's behalf to become immediately eligible. Weeks went by with no answer. Finally on December 16th, the NCAA gave its answer by denying that request. West Virginia appealed the decision and once again, they waited several weeks. 

"First of all, I'd be totally shocked if that happened," Huggins said when asked if Perez would be cleared ahead of tonight's game against Baylor. "And that it's taking them as long as it's taking them which is totally ridiculous. I mean, you're messing with a young man's livelihood. You're messing with the fact that this kid has done everything that's humanly possible for him to do and it hadn't changed."

Perez was denied once again, officially forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season. 

Since, there has been some uncertainty regarding his future given that he has four years of college experience under his belt, thus positioning himself to go make money overseas or potentially here in the U.S. in the NBA's G-League. 

So, will Perez come back for one season with West Virginia?

*Hands mic to Bob Huggins*

"He likes it here. But how many people have you known that didn't like it here? People are good to you here. You've got a great place to play. You're going to play in the best league in the country. You're on TV all the time. What's not to like? I don't think there's any doubt [he'll be back next year]."

Perez averaged 18.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, earning First Team All-MAAC honors a season ago with Manhattan.

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