West Virginia guard Jose Perez is still awaiting approval from the NCAA to be cleared to appear in games for the Mountaineers.
Perez transferred to West Virginia from Manhattan after his head coach left days before the start of the regular season. Perez’s initial waiver to play was denied and the Mountaineers appealed the decision. Last week, it was reported there would be a decision on the appeal made by Jan. 11 — tomorrow — and the day West Virginia plays host to Baylor.
“I’d be totally shocked if that happened and that it’s taken them as long as it’s taken them is totally ridiculous,” Huggins said on the possibility of Perez’s appeal being decided by Wednesday.
“I mean you’re messing with a young man’s livelihood, potential livelihoods. You’re messing with the fact that this kid has done everything that is humanly possible for him to do and it hasn’t changed,” Huggins said.
If Perez was cleared though, don’t expect him to play much if at all against the Bears.
“He hasn’t been in a scrimmage,” Huggins said. “He hasn’t played defense against the offense. He’s played a lot of offense against the defense.”
If not cleared, Perez would have the option to use one final year of eligibility in the 2023-2024 season. Perez has followed the process the NCAA has set forth and continues to practice with WVU in the meantime. Perez would definitely add a much-needed spark to West Virginia’s offense.
