West Virginia moved on from associate head coach Larry Harrison last week.
“I want to thank Larry for his years of service to Mountaineer basketball, and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” head coach Bob Huggins said in a release at the time of parting ways.
Harrison responded for the first time publicly on Tuesday, releasing a statement, with there being no mention of Huggins in the statement.
“Thank you to the numerous players, boosters, media, alumni, coaches, friends and fans that have reached out to me over the past days. I wish I had an explanation to share with you in regards to my unforeseen dismissal but I do not,” Harrison said.
Harrison then denied he was part of any wrongdoing and said “important people” must believe letting him go was in the best interest of Mountaineer basketball.
Harrison then thanked Mountaineer fans for their support throughout the years.
“To Mountaineer nation. Thank you for your loyalty, support and friendship over the last 15 1/2 years. We had some great times,” Harrison wrote.
Harrison had been with Huggins for the past 24 years and had been with him for all of his years at WVU.
Harrison closed by offering players current and former an opportunity to reach out if they desire.
“You have my continued love, loyalty and support. Once a Mountaineer. Always a Mountaineer.”
Harrison’s replacement was brought on yesterday, with WVU announcing they are hiring DerMarr Johnson. Johnson played at Cincinnati under Huggins in 1999-2000, and then had a 16-year professional basketball career.
