MORGANTOWN — In Wren Baker’s mind, the expectations heaped upon Josh Eilert to build some sort of wall around the WVU men’s basketball roster were unrealistic.
“I think there’s an unreasonable expectation that he can just magically keep everyone from going into the portal,” Baker said. “That’s not the case.”
It certainly wasn’t Monday, as former WVU forward Tre Mitchell announced on social media he will play next season at Kentucky, while junior forward Mohamed Wague also announced he was entering the transfer portal.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty in their life. There’s a lot of options in their life,” said Eilert, who was introduced as WVU’s 22nd head coach on a one-season interim basis. “The biggest message I have, and our staff, has is we care about them. We want to reassure them that this is a great place for them. I don’t want to hinder them in any way if they feel like they have another opportunity that would be better suited for them. I’m going to give them that opportunity. If they want to take a look at something else, that’s fine.”
Mitchell first entered the portal last week, following the resignation of former head coach Bob Huggins on June 17.
He visited Kentucky over the weekend before making his decision. Mitchell becomes the second WVU player in three years to transfer to Kentucky, following Oscar Tshiebwe’s move in the middle of the 2021-22 season.
“I can’t thank you enough for the love and support you’ve shown,” Mitchell tweeted about WVU and its fans. “You guys are truly one of a kind. I have a dream and I have the opportunity to live it out. I’ve gotta think about my future and ensure myself the best opportunity to follow that dream.
“I know you guys will understand, if not today, then you will one day. WVU will always hold a special place in my heart, but it’s time to bet on myself.”
Along with Mitchell, who averaged 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in his one season at WVU, point guards Kerr Kriisa and Joe Toussaint also entered the portal.
Kriisa announced Sunday he was returning to WVU, but Toussaint has visits set up with Texas Tech and Kansas State this week before making his final decision.
“The support and love that the Mountaineer fan base has showed me in (two) months is unmatched,” Kriisa tweeted. “I feel so lucky to call Morgantown home.”
Wague played in 28 games last season, before suffering a season-ending injury. He averaged 4.1 points per game and blocked 15 shots.
“First and foremost, we have to solidify our roster,” Eilert said. “Guys are taking an opportunity to feel out the situation and I feel like since we are building a new foundation, some of that will calm down.”
As it stands, WVU has 10 scholarship players currently on the roster. The NCAA limit is 13.
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