WVU’s Akok Akok cleared by physicians, will play against Pitt

Jerry DiPaola
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 8:13 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 8:13 p.m.

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AP

FILE - Georgetown forward Akok Akok (11) shoots against Providence in an NCAA college basketball game Feb. 26, 2023, in Washington. Akok, who transferred to West Virginia for the 2023-24 season, was hospitalized Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, after collapsing on the court during a charity exhibition game between the Mountaineers and George Mason. West Virginia says Akok suffered a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital for further observation. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia received some good news for its depleted roster hours before its game against Pitt on Wednesday night when fifth-year forward Akok Akok was cleared for play.

Akok, a 6-foot-10 transfer who previously played at UConn and Georgetown, collapsed Oct. 27 during a charity exhibition game and has not played for the Mountaineers this season. West Virginia officials called the episode a “medical condition.”

“Akok has undergone extensive evaluation of this condition and met with multiple physicians,” officials said in statement. “After several expert opinions, he has been able to return to play in games.”

In four seasons at UConn, Akok played in 55 games (31 starts), averaging 4.2 points and 3.9 rebounds while blocking a total of 92 shots. In his only season at Georgetown (2022-2023), he averaged 6.5/6.2, with 62 blocks.

Prior to welcoming Pitt to the Coliseum, West Virginia had used only seven or eight players in all seven games this season.